Community Corner

Rye Business Owners Arraigned on Grand Larceny, Tax Evasion Charges

After a one year investigation, Denise and Christopher MacDonald were arraigned, along with three local businesses.

After a one year investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney's office and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Larchmont residents and Rye business owners Denise and Christopher MacDonald and three local companies have been charged with grand larceny and repeated failure to file tax returns, according to a press release issued today by the District Attorney's office.

Denise MacDonald, 47, of 21 Jochum Ave., was arraigned on a felony complaint and charged with two counts of grand larceny in the second degree; one count of grand larceny in the third degree, two counts of repeated failure to file personal tax returns and one count of repeated failure to file corporate tax returns.

Her husband, Christopher MacDonald, 53, of the same address, was arraigned on a felony complaint charging him with one count of grand larceny in the second degree and two counts of repeated failure to file personal tax returns.

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Bail for Denise and Christopher MacDonald was set at $10,000 and $5,000 cash, respectively. The couple's next court appearance will be on Sept. 28. They face "a maximum of five to fifteen years in state prison on the top charge," according to the release.

The baby clothing store Twinkle Toes Baby, Inc., which has two locations, one in Larchmont and on 88 Purchase St. in Rye, was charged with one count of grand larceny in the second degree and one count of repeated failure to file personal tax returns. 

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The home furnishings store Wish Home Styles, Inc., which has locations in Larchmont and on 3 Purdy Ave. in Rye, was charged with one count of grand larceny in the third degree. 

From 1998 through 2009, the owners and managers of these businesses collected New York State sales tax without giving the money to the state, according to the release. They also failed to pay personal income tax to the state since at least 2004.

The combined larcenies are in excess of $500,000.


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