Foley man charged with 57 felony tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office recently charged Grady A. Shearer, of Foley, with 57 tax-related felonies. He is charged with 53 felony counts of failing to pay or collect and remit sales and use tax and 4 felony counts of failing to file individual income tax returns

According to the complaint, Mr. Shearer does not hold a motor vehicle dealer’s license in Minnesota but sold motor vehicles, outdoor recreation equipment, and other items through Facebook while residing in St. Cloud and Foley. Mr. Shearer allegedly failed to collect and remit sales tax on the sale of these items for multiple months between January 2018 and May 2022. The complaint states that Mr. Shearer also failed to file individual income tax returns for tax years 2018 through 2021. According to the complaint, Mr. Shearer owes more than $222,000 in unpaid sales tax, income tax, penalties, and interest.

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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