Flea market owner accused of theft; The state says the operator of Shoppers Bazaar in Bradenton failed to pay thousands in sales tax.(B SECTION)

Byline: STAFF REPORT

MANATEE COUNTY -- The financial situation at the Shoppers Bazaar flea market in Bradenton hasn't been good.

That was clear from a bankruptcy filing last July in which bazaar owner Terry Schneider told a court he was losing $16,500 a month at the business at 3201 First St. W.

Rent payments weren't being made to the building's owner, who had sued. And, Schneider said in the filing, the business was in debt for nearly $445,000.

But things may have been even worse than they seemed for Schneider. State revenue officials say Schneider pocketed or spent more than $145,000 in sales taxes he was supposed to give to the state. …