State prosecutors allege years-long failure to file returns and remit collected taxes.
TRENTON, NJ – A Sussex County business owner who operated a local bagel shop is facing multiple criminal charges after state officials alleged he failed to turn over more than $200,000 in collected sales taxes and did not file required returns over several years. The indictment, announced Thursday, outlines a multi-year investigation into the financial practices of a Sparta-based business.
Kristian J. Vozza, 48, of Sparta, was indicted on March 25 on 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 16 counts of third-degree failure to turn over collected taxes, according to the Office of the Attorney General and the Division of Criminal Justice.
Investigation details and alleged tax violations
According to the indictment, the case stems from a joint investigation launched in June 2025 by the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Office of Criminal Investigation and the Division of Criminal Justice. The investigation focused on Vozza Enterprises LLC, which operates as The Bagel Bistro, a retail shop selling breakfast sandwiches, subs, and other prepared foods.
Prosecutors allege that Vozza failed to remit sales taxes collected from customers between 2021 and 2024 and also did not file business tax returns during that same period. Authorities said the total unremitted sales tax amounted to $205,336.
“Taxes are fundamental to a government that provides for all citizens,” said Attorney General Jennifer 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.”
“Businesses are responsible for remitting sales taxes on the products and services they sell,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “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.”
Legal proceedings and case status
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Tartaglia. Officials did not list defense counsel for Vozza at the time of the announcement.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations, and Vozza is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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