The owner of several Charlotte breweries and bars is accused of embezzling over $600,000 in sales tax
Kristian Pedersen, 51, is the owner of multiple bars and breweries in Charlotte, NC including CBG Draft Services, Inc., CBG Draft Services LC, LLC, CBG Draft Services NC, LLC, and Crafty Beer Guys, LLC. Kristian and his assistant Janna Donohue, 47, were arrested in a $600,000 sales tax indictment. The arrests were in October 2025.
Kristian is accused of altering his Quick Books account data to avoid paying sales tax. The North Carolina sales tax allegedly embezzled by Kristian totaled $614,334.95.
An investigation by special agents with the Department of Revenue Criminal Investigations Division was launched on the suspect’s businesses.
From 2019 to 2023 Kristian is accused of misapplying and converting sales tax income for his own personal use.
Kristian allegedly altered Quick Books to conceal sales tax charged and collected from customers. Janna is an assistant at the businesses and she is accused of helping Kristian alter Quick Books.
After the state investigation both suspects were arrested. Kristian is charged with four counts of embezzlement of state property and one count of obstruction of justice.
Janna is charged with obstruction of justice.
