“Jersey Shore’s” Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino Indicted on Charges of Federal Tax Evasion. Pleads Not Guilty

For all those Jersey Shore fans, television personality Michael 'The Situation' Sorrentino and his brother Marc Sorrentino appeared in federal court in Newark to face an indictment alleging they did not properly pay taxes on $8.9 million in income 'The Situation' received from promotional activities, the U.S. Attorney announced. 'The Situation' and his brother, Marc, have been charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Marc and 'The Situation' also are charged with three and two counts, respectively, of filing false tax returns for 2010 through 2012. 'The Situation' faces an additional count for allegedly failing to file a tax return for 2011, despite earning $1,995,757 that year.

According to the indictment, Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances,” said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman. The brothers allegedly also claimed costly clothes and high-end cars and personal grooming as business expenses and allegedly funneled company money into personal accounts. As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges the brothers submitted or caused to be submitted to the IRS false documents which understated the gross receipts received by the brothers and their two companies. I suppose the IRS just does not watch enough reality TV and just doesn't understand 'The Situation' literally. Doesn't his reality TV personality require that he have high-end vehicles, silver chains and a waxed stomach at all times? Come on people.

At any rate, the conspiracy count carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the filing false tax return counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count charging 'The Situation' with failing to file a tax return carries a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Contact the Wilson Tax Law Group, if you should ever need assistance in a criminal tax matter at 714-463-4430. This is what we do.