A northern Michigan propane company owner has admitted in court that he failed to report and turn over sales tax he collected from customers, and he is now on the hook for roughly $4.1 million in taxes and restitution.
Mark Fischer, 61, of Wellston, pleaded guilty this week to five counts of failure to file a tax return. His business, Fischer LPG, Inc., entered guilty pleas as well. Prosecutors say Fischer has already paid about $3 million in taxes, penalties, and interest and has agreed under the plea deal to pay roughly $1.1 million more.
As reported by CBS News Detroit, the total figure combines money already paid with the restitution amount that is part of the agreement. CBS News Detroit also notes that sentencing is set for July 27, and that the state will place Fischer on a delayed sentence and reduce the counts to misdemeanors if he pays full restitution.
Case Tied To 2019-2023 Receipts, AG Says
According to a press release from the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the case began after investigators concluded that Fischer LPG failed to report or remit sales tax collected from customers between 2019 and 2023. A referral from the Michigan Department of Treasury led to criminal charges that were filed in December 2025.
Propane Supplier's Local Footprint
Regional reporting shows Fischer LPG was founded by Mark and Teresa Fischer in 1987 and grew into a small regional supplier with multiple outlets in northern Lower Michigan, including Manistee and Wellston, according to the Manistee News Advocate. With that kind of local reach, both customers and local governments have reason to pay attention as the state pushes for collection and restitution.
Plea Deal Narrows Criminal Exposure If Restitution Is Paid
Prosecutors told CBS News Detroit that Fischer will be placed on a delayed sentence, and the five felony counts will be reduced to misdemeanors if he follows through on the restitution payments. Each count originally carried a potential five-year felony sentence, but the plea arrangement sharply limits the chance of prison time in exchange for repayment.
Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement that "Michiganders pay sales tax to support our schools and our local governments, and attempts to withhold that money undermine the public services we all rely on," a comment included in the Michigan Attorney General's Office release. Her office said it will keep working with the Department of the Treasury to hold businesses accountable for tax violations as the case moves toward the July 27 sentencing date.
