By Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots
A Palm Beach County business owner is facing a first-degree felony charge after Florida investigators alleged he collected sales tax from customers but failed to remit the money to the state over a nearly two-year period.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit filed by the Florida Department of Revenue, Derrick Marcel McCray, owner of McCray’s Backyard BBQ & Seafood, is accused of failing to pay at least $129,929.56 in collected sales tax to the State of Florida between 2022 and 2024.
Investigators say the restaurant operated as a limited-service establishment and was required to file monthly sales and use tax returns. The Department of Revenue alleges that sales tax was collected from customers but was not properly forwarded to the state, resulting in a substantial loss of tax revenue.
During a recorded interview with investigators, McCray reportedly acknowledged that he owned and managed the business and was responsible for its operations. According to the affidavit, he stated that he was aware sales tax was required to be collected and paid to the state but claimed financial hardships forced him to make difficult decisions regarding business expenses and payroll.
The investigation included a review of business records, state filings, tax documents, and interviews conducted by the Department of Revenue. Authorities also determined that McCray was the sole owner and decision-maker for the business during the period under investigation.
The charge stems from allegations of Theft of State Funds (Sales Tax) under Florida law, a first-degree felony offense.
Court records show the case has been filed in Palm Beach County, where prosecutors will now determine how to proceed.
As with all criminal cases, the allegations remain accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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