Owner of shuttered reBar cops to grand larceny, tax fraud

Jason Stevens facing up to 10 years in prison

From left: Jason Stevens and reBar at 149 Front Street
From left: Jason Stevens and reBar at 149 Front Street

The owner of popular Dumbo stronghold reBar pleaded guilty to grand larceny and criminal tax fraud for stealing $200,000 in sales tax that he collected between 2009 and 2012, according to the Kings County District Attorney.

Jason Stevens unexpectedly closed the popular restaurant in May before taking off. The shuttering of the saloon shocked couples who had already made down payments to Stevens to hold their weddings at the bar. Stevens reportedly also pocketed $1.2 million in sales tax during that same period.

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Stevens, 41, together with his corporation, Fulton Ferry Market, admitted to one count of second-degree grand larceny and four counts of criminal tax fraud in a hearing before Acting Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew Sciarrino. Stevens could face up to 10 years in prison. He’s due to be  sentenced on July 21.

In early May, Stevens put up a note on the door of the restaurant at 147 Front Street that read: “ReBar is closed and bankrupt. DO NOT ENTER.” – Claire Moses