Keeping the cash

Water Street tavern owner going to federal prison

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Photo by Sam Martinez

Jared Hart, the owner of The Pickle on Water Street, was recently sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and fined $100,000 for tax evasion.

Story by Sam Martinez, Staff writer

Back in 2006, the Water Street tavern known as the Nasty Habit had its liquor license revoked following a brawl between customers and employees.

The bar reopened under a different name, a different owner and the same employees. Now the current owner is experiencing some legal troubles of his own.

Jared Hart, the owner of The Pickle on Water Street, was sentenced last Wednesday to 18 months in federal prison and fined $100,000 for tax evasion. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges last August.

“It’s surprising to see something like this happen so close to campus,” senior Tanner Herkert said. “I walk past that bar everyday on the way to school.”

The Pickle is located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Water Street and is known for only accepting cash. This policy enabled Hart to deposit and report only a portion of the bar’s total receipts. According to an article published by the Leader Telegram, Hart skimmed $1.3 million in profits between 2008 and 2011, which resulted in a $306,000 tax loss.

The Pickle is also known for its wheel of discounts and prizes that people can spin on their birthday. Herkert said that although he does not frequent The Pickle, he was there to spin the wheel on his last birthday.

“I was hoping to win a free keg party, but I only got a discount on some drink,” Herkert said. “I left shortly after.”

Hart has until Jan. 4, 2015 to report to prison and The Pickle will stay open in his absence.