Oronoco man charged with 26 felony tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Wabasha County Attorney’s Office recently charged Nicholas Joe Graves, of Oronoco, with 26 tax-related felonies. He is charged with:

• 9 felony counts of failing to file sales and use tax returns
• 9 felony counts of failing to pay or collect and remit sales and use tax
• 4 felony counts of failing to file individual income tax returns
• 4 felony counts of failing to pay individual income tax

According to the complaint, Mr. Graves failed to file sales and use tax returns and pay sales tax for his business, Graves Online Auctions, for multiple quarters between October 2019 and October 2021. The complaint states that the Mr. Graves also failed to file individual income tax returns and failed to pay income tax on his earned income for tax years 2018 through 2021. According to the complaint, Mr. Graves owes more than $796,000 in unpaid sales and income tax.

Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the department takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure that tax laws are administered fairly.

Many of the department’s criminal case referrals come from public tips. There is a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects that a person or business is violating Minnesota tax laws. Local callers may dial 651-297-5195 or call toll-free by dialing 1-800-657-3500. Tips can also be submitted to the department by email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous. 

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