Franklin Resident Fahmi Abdallah Charged with Three Counts of Theft of Sales Tax Proceeds

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that on October 8, 2012, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, acting as special prosecutor for Milwaukee County, filed a summons and criminal complaint in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court accusing Fahmi Abdallah, a Franklin resident, with three counts that all relate to Theft of Sales Tax Proceeds, contrary to Wis. Stat. §§ 77.60(11) and 943.20(3)(b).

According to the criminal complaint, Abdallah ran a liquor store in the City of Milwaukee. During 2006, 2007, and 2008, Mr. Abdallah decided to keep sales tax money that he had collected instead of remitting it to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue in the following amounts: $26,103 in 2006; $38,914 in 2007; and $33,017 in 2008.

A criminal complaint is a document that alleges that a crime was committed by a person or a corporation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The matter is tentatively scheduled for an initial appearance on October 24, 2012, at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Upon conviction, each count carries with it a fine not to exceed $25,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 10 years, or both. Assistant Attorney General Eric D. Défort represents the State of Wisconsin as special prosecutor for the County of Milwaukee.

A copy of the criminal complaint is available at: