CROSSLAKE — The Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office charged Bryan Carl Schindel and Polina Yuryevna Donnik Schindel of Crosslake with 10 tax-related felonies each on Thursday, Nov. 20.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced the charges in a news release Tuesday.
The Schindels each face four felony counts of filing false or fraudulent income tax returns and six felony counts of failing to file sales tax returns.
The complaints state that despite receiving more than 65 letters regarding their tax status, the Schindels misrepresented their taxable income on their income tax returns by underreporting or not reporting income from multiple businesses and short-term rental properties for tax years 2019 through 2022.
The Schindels also failed to file sales tax returns for their furniture building business, Timber Creek Productions, and their interior design business, Donnik Design Group LLC, according to the complaints. They allegedly failed to file sales tax returns for the rental payments for their two short-term rental properties located in Crow Wing County.
According to the complaints, the Schindels owe over $98,000 in sales and income tax, penalties and interest.
Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.
The revenue department stated that although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, it takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure that tax laws are administered fairly.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe U.S. Forest Service will close its decades-old Grand Rapids research office as part of a national reorganization. The lab produces world-renowned work on woods and water. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEKlobuchar visited with Conservation Corps members, local and state fire officials and others during a follow-up on recovery from a devastating wind storm in June 2025. -
Contributed/NWSThe snow will likely stick around for at least a few days, with temperatures near zero possible Monday night, April 6, 2026, in the extreme north. -
Contributed/Minnesota Farmers Union via FacebookThe People's Town Halls are an opportunity for the public to share how elected officials can help them meet their needs and build strong rural communities, the union said. -
Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest ServiceThe office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted. -
Contributed/Carlton County EMS via FacebookThe recognition of a Kettle River first responder's efforts illustrates the balancing act between passion for their mission and funding woes. -
Screenshot/St. Louis County via YouTubeThe federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds. -
Plus: Ruby's Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend.
-
Contributed/Ruby's Pantry - BemidjiRuby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026.
