Jersey Shore’s Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino and his brother Marc are due in court to face an indictment alleging they failed to pay taxes on $8.9 million in income that Michael received from promotional activities, according to U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.
The money was largely received by two companies controlled by the brothers.
They are charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. In addition, Marc and Michael are charged with three and two counts, respectively, of filing false tax returns for 2010 through 2012.
Michael Sorrentino faces an additional count for allegedly failing to file a tax return for 2011.
“According to the indictment, Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances,” said Fishman. “The brothers allegedly also claimed costly clothes and cars as business expenses and funneled company money into personal accounts. The law is absolutely clear: telling the truth to the IRS is not optional.”
The conspiracy and filing false tax return counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count charging Michael Sorrentino with failing to file a tax return carries a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
