News Summary
Robert Britton, ex-owner of Professional Auto Care in Penfield, has been charged with 16 felony counts, including grand larceny and criminal tax fraud, for failing to remit over $120,000 in collected sales tax. The allegations indicate he filed false returns during his ownership. Britton faces severe legal consequences, potentially including a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years. The auto shop has since changed ownership, distancing itself from the former management’s practices, which have raised community concerns about business integrity.
Penfield, NY — Robert Britton, the former owner of Professional Auto Care Inc., has been charged with 16 felony counts, which include grand larceny, five counts of criminal tax fraud, and ten counts of offering a false instrument for filing. The allegations against Britton center around failing to remit over $120,000 in sales tax that he collected from customers between December 2008 and November 2013 to the state of New York.
According to the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, Britton has been accused of filing false sales tax returns that significantly underreported both sales and the corresponding sales tax collections. The consequences of these actions have led to serious legal repercussions for Britton, who could face a prison sentence of between five to fifteen years if convicted.
Britton’s auto shop, located at 763 Linden Ave. in Penfield, has undergone ownership changes in recent months. In November, he sold portions of Professional Auto Care to Jonathan Taglialatela. Since then, Taglialatela has taken full ownership and is independently running the shop, distancing it from Britton’s management during the period in question.
The charges brought against Britton stem from actions taken while he operated Professional Auto Care. The investigation revealed that he allegedly mismanaged tax collections, which constitutes a breach of the trust placed in business owners regarding fiscal responsibilities to the state.
Details of the Allegations
The charges faced by Robert Britton include:
- 16 felony counts in total.
- One count of grand larceny.
- Five counts of criminal tax fraud.
- Ten counts of offering a false instrument for filing.
These charges highlight a misappropriation of significant funds, as the total amount Britton purportedly failed to remit exceeds $120,000. This mismanagement could further implicate him in ongoing investigations into business practices within the auto repair industry in New York.
Background on Professional Auto Care
Professional Auto Care, a long-standing automotive service provider in Penfield, has been a local fixture in the community for several years. The shop has offered various services, including routine maintenance, repairs, and inspections. However, the recent legal issues involving its former owner have raised concerns among local residents and customers about the integrity of business practices in their area.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for business owners to comply with tax laws and regulations to avoid severe legal repercussions. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency in operating a business.
As the case progresses, further details may emerge regarding Britton’s legal strategies and responses to the allegations. However, the current status indicates significant challenges ahead for the former auto shop owner, whose future hangs in the balance of the impending legal proceedings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Democrat & Chronicle: Penfield Auto Shop Owner Facing Felony Charges
- Wikipedia: Tax Fraud
- Hingham Anchor: Elie’s Auto Service
- Google Search: Auto Repair Business Practices
- Tribute Archive: Leushin Obituary
- Google Scholar: Business Tax Compliance
- Adweek: Social Shopping Spree
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Robb Report: E.C.D. Automotive Design Project Britton
- Google News: Auto Shop Mismanagement
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
