Sussex bagel shop owner indicted on $200K tax fraud charges

A Sussex County bagel shop owner has been indicted for allegedly failing to pay more than $200,000 in state sales taxes over a three-year period.

According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Kristian Vozza was indicted March 25 on the following charges:

• One count of second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property received
• Four counts of third-degree failure to file tax returns
• 16 counts of third-degree failure to turn over collected, withheld taxes

The 48-year-old owns and operates The Bagel Bistro, a retail bagel shop in Andover Township.

According to the indictment, the state Division of Taxation Office of Criminal Investigation and the Division of Criminal Justice began a joint investigation in June 2025 regarding Vozza Enterprises LLC, doing business as Bagel Bistro.

The agencies alleged Vozza did not file or pay sales taxes on behalf of the business from 2021 through 2024. They claim he failed to remit $205,336 to the state during that period.

According to the Attorney General’s office, second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

About The Bagel Bistro

In a statement, DCJ Director Theresa Hilton said, “Businesses are responsible for remitting sales taxes on the products and services they sell … When someone fails to file their taxes, or to report all their tax information, we will take the appropriate action.”

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport added, “Taxes are fundamental to a government that provides for all citizens. Paying taxes is not optional, and those who choose to ‘opt out’ will be held accountable and be required to pay their fair share.”

Vozza did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Family-owned and operated The Bagel Bistro serves breakfast sandwiches, subs and other prepared foods. Vozza started the shop in 2007 with his now late father.

During a 2017 interview reflecting on The Bagel Bistro’s 10th anniversary, Vozza emphasized how important it is to give back to the community. Outreach efforts have included donating money, time and food to local sports programs and school districts.