Dean Whittles, Tax Fraud, New York 2022

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A local businessman has been brought to justice for a serious crime.

Dean Whittles, 61, waived indictment and pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Utica to one felony count of willful failure to pay federal payroll taxes, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), New York Field Office.

Whittles, a Syracuse entrepreneur, was the sole owner of several businesses in and around Syracuse, including DJ’s on the Hill and DJ’s on the Boulevard, the 317 Corporation (restaurant), and Dejon’s Hair Design, with salons in Cicero, Westvale, and Skaneateles. However, he no longer owns or operates any of these businesses and has recently moved to Tucson, Arizona.

Between 2016 and 2019, Whittles withheld taxes from his employees’ paychecks but failed to pay approximately $617,843 in payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. This is a serious crime, and Whittles’ actions have consequences.

As part of his plea agreement, Whittles agreed to repay $617,843 to the IRS. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.

The charge to which Whittles pled guilty carries a maximum sentence, which will be determined by a judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Whittles will be sentenced on June 22, 2022, by United States District Judge David N. Hurd.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry. The public can expect more accountability from business owners who engage in tax fraud.

The investigation into Whittles’ actions resulted in a guilty plea, which is a significant step towards justice. We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as necessary.

Defendant Information:

Defendant: Dean Whittles

Criminal Charges: Willful failure to pay federal payroll taxes

City and State: Syracuse, New York

Crime Date: Between 2016 and 2019

Sentence or Outcome: Guilty plea, repayment of $617,843, and potential sentence of up to 5 years in prison, fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release

Dollar Amounts: $617,843 in unpaid payroll taxes

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