MCPHERSON

October 13, 2016

Wings Over Ithaca Owner Faces Grand Larceny Charges

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The owner of Wings Over Ithaca, Bruce McPherson, 47, was charged with 26 felony counts for sales tax evasion Tuesday, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

McPherson was charged with second degree grand larceny, second degree criminal tax fraud, four counts of third degree criminal tax fraud and 20 counts of first degree offering a false instruments for filing, according to the release. He pleaded not guilty to the charges at Albany City Court on Tuesday.

McPherson allegedly failed to submit sales tax returns to the NYS Tax Department between December of 2010 and May of 2015 and knew the returns “purposely understated the amount of tax owed the state by at least $221,601,” the release stated.

If convicted, McPherson will face up to 15 years in prison, in addition to possible civil fraud penalties that would double the cost of the taxes he owes, according to the release.

“As this case shows, we take these accusations very seriously and will go to great lengths to ensure that those who fail to meet their obligation to collect and pay NYS sales tax face justice,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion.

The Massachusetts resident owns and operates M&C Wings, LLC and runs Wings Over Ithaca, which is located at 335 Pine Tree Road.