Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced on April 9 that Kristian J. Vozza, a business owner from Sussex County, New Jersey, has been indicted for allegedly failing to pay more than $200,000 in sales taxes to the state.
The case highlights the importance of tax compliance by businesses and reinforces the state’s commitment to enforcing tax laws. According to authorities, unpaid taxes can impact public services funded by these revenues.
Vozza, age 48 and a resident of Sparta, was indicted on March 25 on several charges: 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. The indictment alleges that Vozza did not remit sales tax or file business taxes for his company—Vozza Enterprises LLC (doing business as The Bagel Bistro)—for the years 2021 through 2024. As a result, he is accused of failing to remit $205,336 in sales tax during this period.
“Taxes are fundamental to a government that provides for all citizens,” Attorney General Davenport said. “Paying taxes is not optional, and those who choose to ‘opt out’ will be held accountable and be required to pay their fair share.”
DCJ 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 report all their tax information, we will take the appropriate action.”
The investigation began in June 2025 as a joint effort between the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Office of Criminal Investigation and DCJ. Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Tartaglia is prosecuting the case.
According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards across all counties and municipalities in New Jersey. The office influences public safety through enforcement oversight statewide. It holds authority under its statutory mandate for law enforcement, offers legal representation, crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives,and functions as an agency focused on justice throughout New Jersey.
Authorities remind that charges are accusations only; Vozza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
