News Summary
A former employee of Blue Dog Cookhouse and Bar has filed a lawsuit against the owners alleging identity theft and tax fraud. The lawsuit claims that Aleksandra Putnam was misrepresented as an owner, leading to a tax liability of $2.5 million. Putnam’s bank accounts were frozen, significantly impacting her life. The lawsuit seeks to unfreeze her accounts, return seized funds, and hold the owners accountable for the damage caused. This case raises concerns about transparency and ethical treatment in business operations.
Manhattan – A lawsuit has been filed against the owners of the Blue Dog Cookhouse and Bar, Elizabeth Slavutsky and Armando Soto, alleging identity theft and tax fraud involving a former employee, Aleksandra Putnam. The allegations stem from claims that Putnam was misrepresented as an owner responsible for the restaurant’s debts, leading to a substantial tax liability of $2.5 million. The lawsuit seeks to redress the financial harm caused to Putnam and to hold the couple accountable for these serious accusations.
Putnam worked as a payroll processor and operations manager for Slavutsky and Soto from 2016 until her departure in 2023. During her tenure, she played a critical role in the restaurant’s expansion efforts, particularly helping to oversee the establishment of a new location in Boca Raton, Florida, in 2021. However, in the summer of 2023, Putnam began receiving tax notices indicating that she owed taxes related to Blue Dog, which prompted her to contact Slavutsky for clarification.
In response to Putnam’s inquiries, Slavutsky indicated that the situation was an error. Shortly thereafter, Putnam experienced a dramatic escalation in the matter when her bank accounts were frozen due to tax authorities claiming she owed $2.5 million in tax arrears. This financial crisis significantly impacted Putnam’s life, leading to sleep issues and health problems attributed to the stress of her frozen accounts. Moreover, the situation has strained her ability to provide care for her elderly mother, who resides in Macedonia, as Putnam has been compelled to ask friends for financial assistance during this tumultuous time.
The lawsuit not only requests the unfreezing of Putnam’s accounts but also calls for the return of any funds previously seized by the New York tax department. It accuses Slavutsky and Soto of knowingly misrepresenting Putnam’s role within the company, alleging that they falsely indicated she was an owner or an officer tasked with managing Blue Dog’s debts. Additionally, the lawsuit presents claims of defamation and fraud, with Putnam seeking unspecified punitive and compensatory damages for the harm she has suffered.
Despite the ongoing lawsuit, both Blue Dog Cookhouse and Bar locations remain operational. The legal proceedings bring to light potential misconduct on the part of the restaurant owners, specifically regarding false representations made to financial institutions and enforcement agencies related to Putnam’s responsibilities and obligations.
The allegations against Slavutsky and Soto highlight significant issues of accountability and transparency in business operations, raising questions about the ethical treatment of employees. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how the courts address the allegations brought forward by Putnam. The restaurant has not responded to inquiries regarding the lawsuit or the specific claims made against its owners.
This situation underscores the importance of proper management and the potential consequences that misrepresentation can entail for both employees and business owners. The outcome of this lawsuit may have implications not only for those directly involved but also for similar cases within the restaurant industry and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Tax Fraud
- Reuters
- Google Search: Strip Club Bribery Tax Fraud
- ABC13
- Google Scholar: Strip Club Executives Indicted
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bribery
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
