14-05-2025
Founder of DC marijuana dispensary pleads guilty to over $1.2M in federal tax evasion
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The founder of a marijuana dispensary located in Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty on Tuesday to tax evasion charges.
68-year-old Jennifer Brunenkant founded and was the former owner of Herbal Alternatives II, LLC. The business was a marijuana dispensary licensed in the District of Columbia.
As part of her guilty plea, Brunenkant admitted to not paying federal income and employment taxes to the IRS from tax years 2017 to 2021.
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Brunenkant also falsely attested that she filed her federal income tax returns on her annual Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax Forms. Brunenkant lied to law enforcement during a July 2023 interview, claiming she had filed her returns.
She pleaded guilty to attempting to evade or defeat tax.
U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan will determine any sentence for Brunenkant after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
At Brunenkant's sentencing hearing, the government will seek restitution of more than $1.2 million, money due for Brunenkant's unpaid federal income and employment taxes.
Her sentencing will be held on Nov. 20.
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