Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced on April 9 that Kristian J. Vozza, a business owner from Sparta, New Jersey, has been indicted for allegedly failing to pay more than $200,000 in sales taxes to the state. The indictment includes one count of second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property received, four counts of third-degree failure to file tax returns, and sixteen counts of third-degree failure to turn over collected or withheld taxes.
The case is significant because it highlights the responsibility businesses have in collecting and remitting sales tax as part of their legal obligations. “Taxes are fundamental to a government that provides for all citizens,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Paying taxes is not optional, and those who choose to ‘opt out’ will be held accountable and be required to pay their fair share.”
Director Theresa L. Hilton from the Division of Criminal Justice said: “Businesses are responsible for remitting sales taxes on the products and services they sell. We allege that this defendant failed to do so, and he is now charged accordingly. When someone fails to file their taxes, or to report all their tax information, we will take the appropriate action.”
According to the indictment, Vozza did not remit sales tax or file business tax returns between 2021 and 2024 while operating The Bagel Bistro through his company Vozza Enterprises LLC. Authorities determined he allegedly failed to remit $205,336 in sales tax during those years following a joint investigation by the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Office of Criminal Investigation and DCJ.
The prosecution is being handled by Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Tartaglia. Officials remind that these charges are accusations only; Vozza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin oversees law enforcement throughout all counties in New Jersey with authority covering public safety matters under its statutory mandate according to its official website. The office provides statewide legal representation as well as oversight on law enforcement activities including crime lab support and consumer protection initiatives according to its official website.
