Molino Man Charged With Failing To Remit State Sales Tax

July 30, 2018

A Molino man has been charged with felony theft of state funds for failure to remit sales tax.

Eddie Lamar Craig, Sr., age  57, collected $11,421.10 in state sales tax that was not remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue, according to an arrest affidavit signed by a FDOR financial investigator.

Craig  collected the sales tax through the now closed Eddie Craig’s Express Automotive and filed tax returns with the state, the arrest affidavit states. No payments were made with multiple returns during the February 2014 to March 2016 time period.

Revenue specialists made 45 contacts with Craig in an effort to resolve the delinquencies and secure voluntary compliance, the report states. Tax warrants totaling $16,955.37 were filed with the Escambia County Clerk of the Court.

Craig entered into a payment agreement with the Florida Department of Revenue, but the agency said he subsequently defaulted.  The FDOR said the business’ bank account statements were subpoenaed and show the company had sufficient funds in the account to pay the taxes due.

Craig was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.

Comments

12 Responses to “Molino Man Charged With Failing To Remit State Sales Tax”

  1. Adam on July 31st, 2018 10:44 pm

    Citizen, I also was in business in Florida for over 40 years. You do understand that sales tax collected is not your money. Not when you collect it, not never. You cannot depend on the people of Florida to pay for your business expenses.

  2. Citizen on July 31st, 2018 10:29 pm

    So as not to disparage local government, My fine for not paying electronically was not local sales tax.

  3. Citizen on July 31st, 2018 10:20 pm

    Incredible how much you need in the bank to keep up with payroll, workmans comp.
    electric, debts, liability insurance, accounting, current taxes and on and on. Just because there was enough to cover the amount of debt, does not mean you would have enough the next month to continue in business, pay employees and keep customer commitments, not to mention the other people in life depending on a portion of your income. Good luck to the gentleman. I remember the first 750 fine I got and the second. I paid the taxes on time, They cashed the checks on time. Hired an accountant who told me I was fined for not paying electronically. Kept that accountant.

  4. Adam on July 31st, 2018 5:57 pm

    Bring it on, but this is money that he collected from his customers to go to the state. It wasn’t his money. He would have received a small, very small, share if he paid on time. He had the money in the bank, it wasn’t his money.

  5. Bring it on on July 30th, 2018 4:07 pm

    I’ve known Eddie since we were in Elementary School he’s always been a stand up guy. He took his family’s business to the next level and has done great . For reasons we don’t know his business has hit hard times. As a licensed contractor in Florida since 1996 I know what it’s like with dealing with state and federal government and they always come out good even when they’re wrong. I challenge anyone out there, go into business and see what the real world is like, until you have don’t judge. From the day you start your business up, EVERYONES IN YOUR BACK POCKET !!!!

  6. Someone who knows on July 30th, 2018 3:48 pm

    Wasnt just 2 employees it was more and these significant proof of it. He chose not to press charges because when he did on one nothing was done but all that’s about to change. This man lost everything because of people he thought to be good employees and their out living their life and one stealing from other employers and that’s court records too. So before you keep commenting about his mistakes look in the mirror you’re probably one of them.

  7. Former employee on July 30th, 2018 2:28 pm

    I hate this has happened to Eddie, but we are all aware that EVERYONE has to pay taxes. Eddie did have 2 employees that stole from him, a significant amount at that. Eddie should have pressed charges on those 2, but he didn’t because he is a good hearted person. Eddie is a great person and was an amazing boss. However he did make mistakes bd got hisself in a pickle, which I’m sure we have all been in before. He was given the chance to make pay arrangements and didn’t comply, so with the commit below about how a former employee shredded all the documents, it states in article that Eddie agreed to a payment plan, so therefore he was FULLY aware of the taxes he owed.I hope Eddie can pay his taxes and move on from all this mess. I do not just consider Eddie my former boss, he is more like my family. To Eddie and his family, keep your head up, things will get better!

  8. Chelleepea on July 30th, 2018 2:23 pm

    Keep your chin up Mr. Craig! I don’t know you but I know when in business you get yourself in a situations you don’t intend to. And those who don’t know the situation will think you bought a yacht with the money but all of that will pass and you’re true friends will stick by you.

  9. Anonymous on July 30th, 2018 1:16 pm

    It’s horrible what is being posted without knowing the facts. People keep saying that he can’t say he didn’t know after 45 notifications…. well, yea it’s possible when the person responsible was an employee who was shredding all the correspondence. What a shame for her to do such a thing to a man who has done so much for her. But karma will catch up with her and come back and bite her in the butt. Eddie is an amazing man and has always put everyone else’s needs before his own. He would never do something like this intentionally. He has been give the short end of the stick and has been taken advantage of by someone he trusted and helped for years. She’d have no money or place to go without his help.

  10. A Friend on July 30th, 2018 11:59 am

    Someone who knows is correct … this was due to employees stealing and pocketing money. Eddie is a great guy and friend who would do anything for his family and friends. He just got the short end of the stick for being big hearted and was totally taken advantage of. Now look at the price he is paying , not fair!!!

  11. Someone who knows on July 30th, 2018 10:00 am

    Probably should know the whole story before reporting what is on courts records before his attorney has even had the chance to clear the air. Amazing what former employees will do to you. When all is said and done the former employee responsible will pay!

  12. BobJ on July 30th, 2018 5:50 am

    Andf he should be charged but what about the Century City Council:

    http://www.northescambia.com/2018/07/century-writes-41-payroll-checks-without-funds-to-cover-them-skips-paying-irs

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News