Former owner of Stone Eagle restaurant charged with tax evasion, forgery, fraud

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Former Stone Eagle and Cliffbreakers owner Jimmy Vitale, 74, faces charges of tax evasion, forgery, and fraud.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the charges against Vitale and restaurant bookkeeper Lori Rice, 52, with four counts of theft of government property over $100,000, one count of sales tax evasion, one count of filing a fraudulent sales tax return, and two counts of forgery.

According to Raoul’s office, Vitale and Rice underreported sales for the Stone Eagle Tavern, which had locations in Rockford (the site of the current Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers) and Hoffman Estates, between January 2016 and September 2020, totalling more than $100,000.

The pair face up to 55 years in prison if convicted.

“Individuals who intentionally violate Illinois’ tax laws are stealing from their friends and neighbors,” Raoul said. “I appreciate the continued partnership with the Illinois Department of Revenue as we work together to send the message that stealing from the people of Illinois will not be tolerated.”

Vitale imported stone eagle statues from around the world to adorn the facade of the restaurant, which was opened at the site of Rockford’s former Cheddar’s in 2009.

Stone Eagle Tavern also hosted the menu of Vitale’s former restaurant, Jungle Jim’s Oyster Bar, which was at 1431 N. Main Street, which he opened in 1975.

Vitale also opened the Cliffbreakers Event Center, at 700 W. Riverside Blvd, in 1993 and sold it in 2012.

The case was initiated by the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) Criminal Investigation Division.

“When individuals or businesses evade sales tax, they’re breaking the law and trying to gain an unfair advantage,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “We appreciate the partnership of Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his office in pursuing these cases. Working together, we will continue to hold accountable those who evade their tax responsibilities and will continue to ensure a level playing field for Illinois businesses.”