(Washington, DC) – Christopher Dinwiddie, owner of The Breakfast Club, LLC, aka Catfish Friday, located at 2312 4th Street, NE, was arrested today in connection with operating his establishment without a business license.

On January 16, the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) shut down the Breakfast Club and seized its business license, because Dinwiddie failed to pay $175,000 in sales taxes collected from his patrons and his failure to file Sales and Use tax returns. Despite the seizure, Dinwiddie re-entered the premises and resumed business operations.

“Through our compliance initiatives, we are aggressively pursuing those who blatantly disregard the law,” said Stephen A. Cordi, deputy chief financial officer for tax and revenue. "Violators will be punished to the fullest extent possible."

If found guilty Dinwiddie could face 30 days in jail and/or $1,000 in fines, in addition to paying back taxes and penalties.

OTR encourages individuals to report tax fraud by calling the toll-free Tax Fraud Hotline at  1-800-380-3495 or by sending an e-mail to TaxFraudHotline@dc.gov.