Maplewood business owner charged with multiple tax crimes 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Dakota County Attorney’s Office recently charged Claudia Iveth Gutierrez Mendez, of Maplewood, with five felony counts of filing false or fraudulent sales tax returns, one felony count of failing to file sales tax returns, and five felony counts of failing to pay sales tax. 

According to the complaint, Ms. Gutierrez Mendez owned and operated six restaurants located in the metro area. The complaint alleges that she filed false sales tax returns for multiple periods between March 2018 and November 2022 by underreporting cash sales and sales taxes received from third-party delivery services and failed to file any sales tax returns for multiple periods between December 2022 through February 2023. The complaint alleges that Ms. Gutierrez Mendez failed to submit the correct sales tax she collected on behalf of her customers for all periods between March 2018 through February 2023. In an interview with investigators, Ms. Gutierrez Mendez allegedly acknowledged that filing false returns, failing to file returns, and failing to pay taxes were crimes. Department investigators determined that Ms. Gutierrez Mendez owes over $260,000 in sales 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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