Firehouse Grille Tax Preparer Charged with Grand Larceny

Tax preparer Nicholas J. Caputo was charged with grand larceny for allegedly preparing fraudulent sales tax returns for the New York Firehouse Grille in Peekskill by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the Department announced today.

Caputo allegedly intentionally understated the restaurant’s gross receipts by more than $4.9 million, which enabled the restaurant to steal over $347,000 in NY state sales tax. The investigation continues.

Jim Caputo, owner of the Firehouse Grille, referred Patch to his attorney when asked about the charge. The attorney could not be reached with questions.

Nicholas Caputo was one of seven people charged as part of the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance “Operation AccountAbility,” an enforcement sweep targeting those income tax preparers who have prepared fraudulent tax returns for clients.