Charges: Man Had $30K Of Untaxed Tobacco

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Tax officials say a man faces tax crime charges after evading state taxes following a purchase of $30,000 worth of tobacco products from an out-of-state wholesaler.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue said the Ramsey County Attorney's Office has charged Atef Mouhamad Maarouf with a felony for possession of untaxed tobacco products.

According to a criminal complaint, Maarouf was stopped for speeding in December of 2014 while driving a rental van full of mostly loose tobacco. The State Patrol held the truck and tax officials got a warrant to search it.

Officials say Maarouf purchased the tobacco from an out-of-state wholesaler who did not collect the required tax. In the process, Maarouf evaded about $28,500 in Minnesota taxes, the criminal complaint states.

If convicted of the untaxed tobacco charge, Maarouf could face a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.