Sauk Centre Couple Charged With Tax Crimes

ST. PAUL - The Kandiyohi County Attorney's Office has recently charged two Sauk Centre Residents, 43-year-old Juan Mejia and 42-year-old Martha Mejia, with sales and income tax related felonies.

According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Juan and Martha are each charged with seven counts of filing fraudulent returns, eight counts of filing to pay taxes and one charge of failing to file a return for tax years 2008 through 2011.

The Mejia's run La Michoacana, a grocery store, restaurant and money transfer business with locations in Long Prairie and Willmar.

A review of the couple's tax history says they reported and paid little to no income tax, while their business has generated more than $1 million per year. The business has been open for over 12 years.

The couple owes an estimated $238,000 in income tax and $52,000 in sales tax. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.