(Salt Lake City, UT) - The former owner of a St. George pizza establishment pleaded guilty last week to reduced charges for keeping sales taxes collected at the restaurant. James Linn Mayoros, 39, was allowed to make a plea in abeyance to three charges after he paid back $150,000 in past due taxes and agreed to pay another $10,000 before any action can be taken to close out the case.

Mayoros was charged with keeping the restaurant and sales taxes he collected at Pirate Island Pizza between 2008 and 2010. The Utah Attorney General's Office filed criminal charges after numerous attempts to resolve the matter had failed and after Utah Tax Commission investigators discovered Mayoros was actively seeking to defraud the state.



The conviction against Mayoros will be dismissed after three years if he successfully pays back all taxes, penalties and interest and does not break any other laws. Third District Court Judge Robin W. Reese also ordered Mayoros to perform 100 hours of community service, remain in full compliance with the Utah State Tax Commission and cooperate with any further investigations.

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said, "We are again grateful a fair resolution was made and hope it serves as a reminder that anyone who collects and then keeps state taxes is basically stealing money needed for fire protection, educating our students and basic services for our communities."