Tax protester-stadium opponent charged with six felony tax crimes

Star Tribune

Last update: July 17, 2008 - 9:33 PM

A man who said he doesn't believe state dollars should be used to build stadiums and maintain streets has been charged with six felony tax crimes, the Minnesota Department of Revenue said.

Dean Brian Carter, 31, of Newport, was charged Wednesday with four counts of failing to file tax returns and two counts of failing to pay taxes, according to the Washington County Attorney's Office.

According to the complaint, Carter told authorities he didn't think he needed to file taxes because he wasn't making much money. He also told the Revenue Department that he didn't think tax money should be used for building stadiums and that because he drove a four-wheel-drive truck he didn't need to pay taxes to have streets maintained.

In an investigation of his business, Absolute Concrete and Masonry, the Revenue Department said Carter allegedly collected money from a client that should have been directed to his company. In addition, his company was not registered with the department as required by law.

The complaint also states that Carter has not filed personal income tax returns for 12 years and owes the state more than $12,000.

TIM HARLOW