Franklin Resident Fahmi Abdallah Bound Over for Trial and Arraigned on Three Counts of Theft of Sales Tax Proceeds

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that on October 24, 2012, Franklin resident Fahmi Abdallah appeared in the state Circuit Court in Milwaukee County before Commissioner Laura Gramling Perez where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing, was bound over for trial, and was charged with three counts of theft of sales tax proceeds. If convicted, each count carries a maximum penalty of a fine not to exceed $25,000 or a term of imprisonment not to exceed 10 years, or both.

According to the criminal complaint, Mr. Abdallah ran a liquor store in the City of Milwaukee. During 2006, 2007 and 2008, Mr. Abdallah kept 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.

The matter has been set for a status conference on Nov. 13, 2012, before the Honorable Michael D. Guolee, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Assistant Attorney General Eric D. Défort represents the State of Wisconsin as special prosecutor for the County of Milwaukee.

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. A copy of the criminal complaint is available at: