Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced on April 9 that Kristian J. Vozza, a bagel shop owner from Sussex County, was indicted for allegedly failing to pay more than $200,000 in sales taxes to New Jersey.
The case highlights the importance of tax compliance for business owners and underscores the state’s efforts to enforce tax laws. The indictment alleges that Vozza did not remit sales tax or file business taxes between 2021 and 2024, resulting in an alleged unpaid amount of $205,336.
Vozza was charged on March 25 with one count of second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property received, four counts of third-degree failure to file tax returns, and sixteen counts of third-degree failure to turn over collected or withheld taxes. “Taxes are fundamental to a government that provides for all citizens,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Paying taxes is not optional, and those who choose to ‘opt out’ will be held accountable and be required to pay their fair share.” Director Theresa L. Hilton said: “Businesses are responsible for remitting sales taxes on the products and services they sell. We allege that this defendant failed to do so, and he is now charged accordingly. When someone fails to file their taxes, or to report all their tax information, we will take the appropriate action.”
According to investigators from the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Office of Criminal Investigation working jointly with DCJ since June 2025, Vozza Enterprises LLC—doing business as The Bagel Bistro—did not remit required sales tax nor file necessary returns during these years.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards statewide according to its official website. The office extends its authority throughout all counties and municipalities according to its official website and influences public safety through law enforcement oversight across New Jersey according to its official website. Its statutory mandate includes enforcing laws, prosecuting offenses statewide according to its official website, providing legal representation at state level as well as crime lab support and victim advocacy initiatives according to its official website.
Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Tartaglia is prosecuting the case. Officials remind that charges are accusations only; Vozza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
