Chen’s vehicle (NYS Tax Dept.)
Dec. 8, 2017 By Christian Murray
A Flushing man has been arrested for allegedly smuggling a large quantity of liquor into New York state from New Hampshire with the intent of selling it here.
Juncheng Chen, 45, was arrested by investigators with the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigation Division after his vehicle was stopped by New York State Police in Rye, NY.
Chen’s van was packed with 757 liters of liquor, which he allegedly purchased at five different liquor outlets in the Granite State.
Chen was arraigned in Rye City Court and charged with two felonies, one for possession of more than 360 liters of liquor untaxed by New York State, the other for acting as a distributor while not being registered as a distributor in the Empire State. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance.
“Alcohol-related tax evasion, as this case clearly shows, is on our radar,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “We’ll work with all levels of law enforcement to tackle the problem head-on.”
Chen allegedly evaded at least $1,288 in New York State liquor taxes. He is scheduled to next appear in court on December 12. If convicted, Chen could face a sentence of up to four years in prison.
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What happens to the liquor?