WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jennifer Brunenkant, 68, owner of Herbal Alternatives II, LLC, a licensed marijuana dispensary in Washington, D.C., was charged with evading and failing to pay federal income and employment taxes related to her business, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced on March 6.
From at least 2013 to 2021, Brunenkant operated the dispensary, which generated millions in revenue. As the sole owner, she was required to file annual IRS Form 1040 and report her earnings. However, from 2018 to 2021, Brunenkant failed to submit her tax filings and did not pay the approximately $800,000 in federal income taxes she owed.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Brunenkant willfully attempted to evade taxes. In addition to income tax evasion, Brunenkant employed dozens of workers at Herbal Alternatives, and under federal law, she was required to collect, account for, and remit employment taxes on behalf of her employees. Yet, she failed to pay approximately $130,000 in employment taxes during the same period.
Brunenkant faces serious charges, with each charge carrying a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as potential financial penalties.
The indictment is merely an allegation, and Brunenkant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
