Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino, one of the stars of MTV’s “The Jersey Shore,” was indicted for failing to pay taxes on $8.9 million in income.
Michael and Marc Sorrentino are each charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing false tax returns for 2010 through 2012. Michael Sorrentino faces an additional count for allegedly failing to file a tax return for 2011.
The defendants are expected to surrender to special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and United States Marshals prior to their court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court.
They each face a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“According to the indictment, Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances,” U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. “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.”
Michael Sorrentino is a reality television personality who first gained fame on “Jersey Shore,” which appeared on the MTV network. Marc Sorrentino is also Michael’s manager.
Each brother was released on $250,000 bail and scheduled for arraignment on October 6.
The judge set strict bail terms requiring the brothers stay away from alcohol, surrender their passports and submit to random drug testing.
Agencies/Canadajournal