Norwood Young America couple accused in rebate scam face felony tax fraud charges

Star Tribune

Last update: February 17, 2009 - 8:40 PM

A Norwood Young America couple accused of swindling a rebate-processing corporation and its clients out of more than $289,000 have been charged with three felony tax crimes for allegedly filing fraudulent and false income tax returns over a three-year period, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced Tuesday.

Austin Rousan, 52, and Constance Rousan, 45, allegedly owe the state more than $21,000, according to a complaint filed recently in Carver County District Court.

According to the complaint, Constance Rousan was the billing and collections coordinator for the Young America Corp., which processes rebates for various companies. When rebates programs expired, the client could use remaining funds for future rebate programs. Constance Rousan fabricated e-mails to make it appear that clients wanted remaining funds dispersed to a fake agency called A & M Services.

A & M apparently stands for Austin Michael, the codefendant's first and middle name. Austin Rousan took checks made out to A&M Services and deposited them into a bank account, the complaint said.

The Rousan's tax returns for 2005, 2006 and 2007 do not include any of the $289,000, which is taxable income. In addition, the couple underpaid income taxes by $21,000 over the three-year period, the state said.

TIM HARLOW

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