A high-end clothier who had been arrested in connection with a multimillion-dollar tax-refund scam was back in business today at his shop in Cherry Creek North, a day after authorities released him from jail.
Andre Holliday had been held as a suspect in an alleged scheme to steal as much as $10 million in state tax revenue.
But Denver authorities released Holliday on Wednesday, saying they lacked the evidence to contradict Holliday’s claim that he wasn’t involved in the scam.
Surrounded by family members and friends, and dressed in one of his own custom-made suits, Holliday told reporters this afternoon that he’s “glad to be back” at his store, Clothing by Andre, at 326 St. Paul St.
Describing his days in jail as “hell,” Holliday declined to discuss specifics of his case or whether, as he suggested in an interview Wednesday night, he would consider filing suit over his arrest last weekend.
“I put it in the attorneys’ hands,” he said.
Holliday is being represented by Denver attorney Chad Hemmat and by Lisa Monet Wayne.
Colorado Department of Revenue employee Michelle Cawthra is suspected of funneling millions of dollars in bogus tax refunds to various fraudulent accounts, Denver prosecutors say. She was charged Wednesday with 27 felony counts.
Hysear Don Randell, identified as Cawthra’s boyfriend, also is in custody in the case. Both are being held on $10 million bail. Randell has not yet been charged.
“I pray for them and wish them the best,” Holliday said of Cawthra and Randell, although Wednesday he said that the two took advantage of him in the tax scheme.
According to an arrest affidavit released Wednesday, Holliday told investigators that he had asked Randell who did his taxes; Randell recommended Cawthra.
In March, Holliday and his wife signed their tax return and “Cawthra offered to handle the mailing of the taxes, and that was the last time Holliday saw his (Colorado) returns,” the affidavit said.
“What matters most is I’m here at my shop,” Holliday said today.
