Ronald Bartell, the 44-year-old Detroit native, former NFL player, and former owner of the soul food eatery Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles, is facing five felony counts related to state sales tax violations. The business entity itself, Kuzzo’s LLC, shares the exact same legal jeopardy.
Arraignment in Lansing and the Charges Filed
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges against both Bartell and his operating entity. Bartell and Kuzzo’s LLC were arraigned on November 3 in Lansing’s 54A District Court, facing five separate counts encompassing failure to file, filing a false return, or failure to make a tax payment. Each individual count represents a five-year felony under Michigan law.
Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles operated on Livernois Avenue on Detroit’s northwest side starting in 2015, serving Southern-style comfort food before closing its doors earlier this year. Bartell established Kuzzo’s LLC as the business vehicle to manage operations throughout that entire timeline, running the business from 2015 to 2026.
Ronald Bartell, ex-Detroit Lion and owner of Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles, faces five felony counts for alleged violations of Michigan sales tax law and up to five years in prison. pic.twitter.com/pY2mFWFiKc
Attorney General Stresses Importance of Sales Tax Revenue for Schools
When businesses collect sales tax from consumers, state law mandates that the funds reach the Department of Treasury rather than staying in corporate accounts.
“Michigan businesses are expected to properly collect, report, and remit the sales tax they collect to the state Department of Treasury,” Attorney General Nessel said. “Sales tax revenue provides essential funding to our public schools and local governments. Businesses that cheat will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sales tax collections form a foundational pillar for local municipal budgets and public education funding throughout the state, making non-compliance a matter of broad civic impact.
Next Steps in the 54A District Court
Following their initial appearance before the bench in Lansing, both Bartell and the Kuzzo’s LLC corporate entity are scheduled for subsequent court dates in the 54A District Court. As of now, an exact date for the next hearing has not yet been set.
Legal proceedings remain at an early stage. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More on Kuzzo
Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles owner charged in Michigan tax case. AG Nessel says owner and business face felony charges over alleged tax violations. https://t.co/rvQpMpxQ9i pic.twitter.com/vQZVPVOnMr
