CORTLAND, N.Y. — A dealer was indicted Tuesday on five felony charges stemming from his collection and retention of sales taxes on vehicles he sold over a period of more than five years, and his failure to file sales tax and personal income tax returns. 

Joseph Fezza, the owner and sole proprietor of JF Auto World, also known as Auto World, allegedly collected but failed to remit to New York State more than $50,000 in sales taxes from on or about March 1, 2004, through on or about September 20, 2009. He also failed to file quarterly sales tax returns as well as several years' worth of personal income tax returns.

“When an unscrupulous business owners neglect to pay their taxes, other hard-working New Yorkers have to shoulder the burden,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

Fezza was arraigned Tuesday and maintained his bail conditions. He entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

If convicted, Fezza faces a maximum sentence of five to 15 years of incarceration.