Categories: News, Schenectady County

A city man has been accused of selling untaxed cigarettes from a convenience store parking lot, the state Department of Taxation and Finance said.

Michael A. Tarver, 55, of 1626 Rugby Road in Schenectady, faces one count each of fifth-degree criminal tax fraud and possession of untaxed cigarettes, misdemeanors.

Tarver is accused of possessing 21 cartons of contraband cigarettes. State tax officials said they also seized $1,243 in cash.

Investigators with the state tax department’s “Cigarette Strike Force” made the arrest recently, saying they found Tarver with the untaxed cigarettes and cash in the store parking lot. Officials did not identify the location of the arrest.

“This case serves as a reminder that trying to sell any amount of untaxed cigarettes is illegal — a crime that can carry serious consequences,” state Tax Department Commissioner Jerry Boone said in a statement.

All cigarette packs sold in the state must have a legal state-tax stamp showing the proper taxes have been paid.

The misdemeanors carry a possible sentence of up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine upon conviction. Civil penalties also could run as high as $600 for each untaxed carton.