Grammy-Winning Fort Lee Producer Admits Not Filing Taxes On $2.8 Million In Income

FORT LEE, N.J. — A Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter admitted in federal court Thursday that he did not not file tax returns on more than $2.8 million in income he made over five years, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Mario Winans, 42, of Fort Lee, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to two counts of failing to file a tax return, Fishman said in a news release.

As part of the guilty plea, Winans admitted he did not file a tax return in 2008 and 2010 and further admitted not filing returns in 2009, 2011, and 2012, Fishman said, resulting in a loss of $434,000 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Winans produced songs and albums for various rhythm and blues, hip-hop, and dance music artists, including P. Diddy, Whitney Houston, The Notorious B.I.G. and Lil' Kim. He won a Grammy in 2006 for writing the CeCe Winans hit song "Pray."

Winans faces a maximum prison sentence of two years and a $200,000 fine. He must also make full restitution of the $434,000 loss to the IRS.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2017.

Salas set bail at $250,000 and permitted Winans' release pending sentencing, Fishman said.

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