x
Breaking News
More () »

Co-owners of East Valley restaurants ordered to pay nearly $2M for withholding sales tax

George Krotonsky, a former owner of Teakwoods in Chandler and Gilbert, has been ordered to pay nearly $2 million to the Arizona Department of Revenue.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The former owners of two East Valley restaurants have been convicted of tax evasion and ordered to pay millions to the Arizona Department of Revenue. 

George Krotonsky, the former owner of the Teakwoods locations in Chandler and Gilbert, was sentenced Monday to spend 1.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, followed by seven years of supervised probation. 

Krotonsky was additionally ordered to pay nearly $2 million in restitution to the state and a fine of $100,000.

Aubrey Sturdivant, another owner of the restaurants, was ordered to spend nine months in the county jail, followed by seven years of probation, and pay over $1 million in restitution. 

The defendants withheld sales tax revenue generated at their restaurants from the state, according to the Department of Revenue. They additionally withheld the income tax from their employees' paychecks. 

Krotonsky and Sturdivant both pled guilty to fraud and filing a false tax return.

Up to Speed

More ways to get 12News

On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.

12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.

12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

On social media: Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Before You Leave, Check This Out