Shuttered reBar owner sentenced for grand larceny, tax fraud

Jason Stevens, former owner of popular wedding venue reBar in Brooklyn, was sentenced to between three and 10 years in jail for stealing $200,000 in sales tax between 2009 and 2012 from the shuttered establishment.

Stevens, who abruptly closed the restaurant at 147 Front Street in Dumbo in May before taking off, pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny and criminal tax fraud last month along with his corporation, Fulton Ferry Market. He also admitted to failing to collect around $1.2 million in sales tax during the venue’s four years in business.

With reBar’s sudden closure in May, which was announced with a sign on the door reading “reBar is bankrupt and closed. Please dispose of your keys and do not enter the premises,” several couples lost their initial wedding deposit and others their complete wedding venue payment.

Before the court today, Stevens said, “I have nothing left to say but I’m sorry.” [Brooklyn Eagle] — Julie Strickland