Champlin City Councilmember Tim LaCroix Resigns After Felony Tax Charges

Champlin, Minnesota

A member of the Champlin City Council has resigned after state prosecutors charged him and his wife with multiple felony tax crimes tied to several years of unpaid state income taxes, according to court documents and state officials.

City leaders confirmed Wednesday that Ward 4 Councilmember Tim LaCroix submitted his resignation to the city, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure on the council. The resignation follows criminal charges filed by the Minnesota Department of Revenue and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office alleging that LaCroix and his wife, Tina LaCroix, failed to file and pay Minnesota income taxes for five consecutive years.

The charges stem from an investigation that examined the couple’s tax filings from 2019 through 2023. According to felony complaints filed in Hennepin County District Court, prosecutors allege the couple earned taxable income during that period but did not file required returns or pay the taxes owed.

Each defendant faces ten felony counts: five counts of failing to file individual income tax returns and five counts of willfully failing to pay state income taxes.

Allegations in the Criminal Complaint

Investigators say the couple generated income through separate professional roles during the five-year period in question.

According to the complaint:

• Tim LaCroix operated a private legal practice, earning income through his law firm.
• Tina LaCroix worked as a property manager, generating additional taxable income.

Despite those earnings, prosecutors allege the couple did not meet their state tax obligations. The Minnesota Department of Revenue estimates the total unpaid tax liability at $32,323 over the five tax years.

Court documents further note that LaCroix, as a licensed attorney, would have been expected to understand the legal requirements surrounding tax compliance.

Under Minnesota law, failing to file tax returns or willfully failing to pay income taxes can constitute felony offenses. Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Champlin Responds to the Resignation

The City of Champlin acknowledged LaCroix’s resignation on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. City officials said the matter involves a personal legal case and is not connected to city finances or municipal operations.

LaCroix represented Ward 4 on the Champlin City Council, which governs the northwestern Twin Cities suburb of roughly 24,000 residents.

With the seat now vacant, the council must begin the process of filling the position. Minnesota municipal procedure typically requires the council to first formally declare the vacancy during a public meeting.

Depending on the timing within the council term and the city’s charter provisions, the council may then either:

• Appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term, or
• Call for a special election to allow voters to fill the seat.

City officials have indicated additional details about the replacement process will be announced once the council formally addresses the vacancy.

Possible Professional Consequences

Beyond the criminal case itself, the charges could also carry professional implications for LaCroix’s legal career.

Attorneys licensed in Minnesota are regulated by the Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, which investigates allegations of professional misconduct. Financial dishonesty or criminal convictions involving fraud or tax violations can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or disbarment from the practice of law.

Any such review would occur separately from the criminal case and would depend on the outcome of the proceedings in Hennepin County District Court.

Case Pending

The criminal charges against Tim and Tina LaCroix remain pending, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For the city of Champlin, meanwhile, the immediate question is governance: how quickly the council can restore a full seven-member body while the legal case against one of its former members proceeds through the courts.

For residents of Ward 4, the resignation closes one chapter of representation while opening another, as city leaders determine how the seat will be filled in the months ahead.

MinneapoliMedia
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