DuPage Businessman Arrested for Failure to Pay Sales Tax

CHICAGO, IL – Agents from the Illinois Department of Revenue, Illinois State Police and DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group arrested Dr. Javed Bhojani, at his home in Bloomingdale, after he was charged with four counts of failing to file and pay sales and use taxes, Class 3 felonies, for Smoke House Co., located in Lombard.  

Bhojani, an agent of Smoke House Co. at the time, was responsible for filing and paying sales and use taxes.  He was indicted by a DuPage grand jury for failure to file and pay sales and use taxes for November and December of 2010 and January and February of 2011.  Because the amount for each filing exceeded $300, this violation of Illinois Compiled Statute, Chapter 35, Section 120/13, is a Class Three felony.  

“I’m gratified that other law enforcement agencies worked with us to ensure that Dr.  Bhojani takes seriously his responsibility to file and pay his taxes, said Revenue Director Brian Hamer. “Illinois residents understand that paying taxes is a shared responsibility and it works when everyone pays their fair share.”

The Department of Revenue referred this matter to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for criminal prosecution. 

The warrant for Bhojani’s arrest was issued on June 11 and he was arrested on June 12.  Bail was set at $50,000.   He is out on bond and his next court date is expected to be set today.