USA: Niceville Restaurant Owner Arrested On Tax Charges

Well-known restaurant owner Brian Cartenuto of Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox was arrested on Wednesday morning on tax-related charges.

An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy served a warrant from the State Attorney’s office at the restaurant, located at 113 W. John Sims Parkway. Cartenuto was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail, where he was ordered to be held without bond until his first appearance before a judge on Thursday morning.

According to Bill Bishop, the chief assistant State Attorney in Okaloosa County, Cartenuto is being charged with two third degree felony counts of failure to file six consecutive tax returns and two second degree misdemeanor counts of refusal to pay or file state sales tax returns.

“Basically, the allegation is that he was responsible for filing tax returns and remitting sales taxes for two separate businesses, and he failed to do so,” Bishop said. “So he is being charged with one felony and one misdemeanor for each case, for a total of four charges.”

Under Florida sentencing guidelines, a third degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a $5,000 fine. Second degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Cartenuto, a Niceville High School graduate, has enjoyed a successful career as a chef since graduating from Johnson & Wales Culinary School. He has appeared on the Food Network three times, twice as the champion on “Cutthroat Kitchen” and once as a contestant on “Beat Bobby Flay.” He has twice been invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

Cartenuto recently relocated Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox to Niceville after a high-profile dispute with Valparaiso officials over his desire to apply for a license to serve alcohol at the restaurant.

A previously scheduled fund-raising event for the family of Niceville resident Azel Hardy went on as planned Wednesday, according to an employee who answered the phone at the restaurant. When asked about Cartenuto's arrest, the employee said it was “false information” and had no other comment.