Queens Auto Body Shop Owner Charged With Tax Fraud

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – An Elmhurst, Queens auto body shop owner has been charged with tax fraud after failing to pay sales taxes.

According to a news release from the Queens District Attorney's office, the shop owner allegedly under-reported nearly $2 million in repair work.

If convicted, 51-year-old Victor Izquierdo faces up to 15 years in prison.

"Tax fraud is the type of crime that makes every New Yorker a victim," District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in a statement. "It cheats not only the government, but also the public out of much-needed funds."

Izquierdo was arraigned Tuesday where he was charged with grand larceny, criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. He also faces charges for first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and scheme to defraud.

Brown said according to the criminal complaint, Izquierdo's auto body shop collected more than $3.2 million from insurance companies like Geico and Progressive between March 2008 and February 2013. However, the criminal complaint says he only reported repairs totaling just over $1.2 million.

He is due back in court on November 14.

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