'COVID destroyed my life,' says restaurant owner charged with tax crimes

Stephanie Wigger is facing 21 felony counts in Christian County Circuit Court.

Last edited 3:11 p.m., July 30, 2024 [Editor's note: Reference to a previous restaurant venture owned by a separate businessperson has been removed.]

A local restaurant owner who was recently charged with tax crimes in Christian County Circuit Court says the COVID-19 pandemic irreparably damaged her business interests.

Stephanie Wigger was charged July 25 with 21 felony counts that comprise failure to furnish a sales tax return, failure to file a withholding tax return and failure to pay over withholding taxes, according to court records. The alleged offenses are related to Wigger's ownership of Farm Fresh Steakhouse & Bakery LLC, a Nixa eatery that closed in 2022 after first opening in 2017 in Highlandville.

The probable cause statement in the case alleges Wigger caused the state of Missouri to incur a tax loss of $48,117 via unpaid sales and withholding taxes for certain quarterly periods amid the pandemic. Interest is continuing to accrue on the unpaid taxes, according to a court document.

"Bank accounts subpoenaed during the investigation for the business revealed that Wigger was depositing business proceeds made from consumer sales at the business in the form of cash and debit/credit card transactions, during all periods identified during this investigation," the probable cause statement reads. "Bank accounts subpoenaed during the investigation for the business revealed that Wigger was using the business proceeds for personal and nonbusiness related purchases including, but not limited to, travel, dining, personal expenses, entertainment and leisure."

Reached this morning by Springfield Business Journal, Wigger cited a series of events amid the pandemic. She said her bookkeeper's house burned down and her landlord sued her for breaking her lease.

"I couldn’t hold it together. I had a mental breakdown," said Wigger, who added she's currently living with her parents. "Basically, COVID destroyed my life."

She noted she intends to hire an attorney to represent her in the Christian County case.