M. Lisa Monroe - Express News Staff

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Jamie Woodward announced today that a Hamilton County man faces felony tax crimes and weapons charges for his role in trafficking 131 cartons of untaxed cigarettes.

Charged in the case was Willie Cannova, 79, of 110 Limekiln Road in Inlet. He was charged with Possession of Untaxed Cigarettes, Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax and Tax Fraud in the Fourth Degree, all class E felonies punishable by up to four years in state prison. In addition, New York State Environmental Conservation Police charged Cannova with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm in the Fourth Degree, both class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in state prison.

Cannova was arrested on Aug. 20, in the Town of Inlet by State Tax Department investigators following an investigation and the execution of a search warrant. During the arrest and warrant execution, agents found the untaxed cartons of cigarettes, which represent an estimated $5,800 in unpaid taxes to the State. In addition two unregistered hand guns were discovered.

Cannova was arraigned before Judge Norman Shwamle and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to reappear in Inlet Town Court on Aug. 25.

The office of Hamilton County District Attorney James T. Curry will coordinate the prosecution of this suspect.

Acting Commissioner Woodward thanked the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police for their assistance in this investigation and the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in prosecuting this case.