Washougal man accused of fraud

A Washougal business owner is facing a theft charge after he allegedly stole more than $35,000 in retail sales tax, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Revenue.

Richard A. Mehas, 50, is scheduled to appear on suspicion of first-degree theft Sept. 27 in Clark County Superior Court. Mehas, who owns Accurate Landscaping, is accused of collecting retail sales tax from Washington clients and keeping the money, which is intended to fund public services, for himself.

The funds support education, social services, health care, corrections, public safety and natural resources conservation, according to the state revenue department.

Auditors discovered the alleged tax fraud during a review of Mehas’ business records spanning January 2009 through September 2013. He did not report any business income to the revenue department during that time. However, invoices provided by a client showed that the client paid more than $500,000 for services and $35,526 in retail sales tax, the news release said.

Mehas had previously filed returns and paid taxes, according to the revenue department.

He told investigators that he used the money to help support his family. Mehas sold his house last year but did not use any of the money to pay back his tax bill, a probable cause affidavit states. Accurate Landscaping is still in business.

The audit file was sent to the state Attorney General’s Office for review. The office elected to file charges Friday.