Crime & Safety
'The Situation,' Brother Plead Guilty In Tax Evasion Case
"Jersey Shore" cast member Michael 'The Situation' Sorrentino admitted he tried hiding some of his income so he wouldn't have to pay taxes.
Former star of MTV's "Jersey Shore" Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino, 36, and his brother Marc Sorrentino, 38, have pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion on the indictment brought against them in Newark federal court before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. Marc pleaded guilty to aiding in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return.
Originally indicted on tax evasion and falsifying records charges in September 2014, Sorrentino and his brother were indicted again in April 2017 on additional charges. They created businesses, including Situation Nation Inc., to "take advantage of Michael Sorrentino's celebrity status," according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.
According to the indictment, the brothers conspired to defraud the federal government by not paying all the income tax owed on about $8.9 million Michael Sorrentino earned from 2010 to 2012.
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Michael admitted that he earned taxable income in 2011, including some in cash, and concealed some of it to avoid paying taxes. He deposited the cash in amounts less than $10,000 so the IRS would not be alerted.
Marc admitted that in 2010, 2011 and 2012, he earned income and helped his accountants prepare personal tax returns using false information and underreported to the IRS he actually made, Carpenito said.
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The pair also allegedly commingled funds among businesses and personal bank accounts, using the money to pay for high-end luxury vehicles and clothes, authorities previously said.
Michael faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison on the tax evasion charge. Marc faces a maximum sentence of three years. Both men could be fined up to $250,000.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 25.
Related: 'The Situation,' Brother Facing More Tax Evasion Charges
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Photo: Michael 'The Situation' Sorrentino outside of the federal courthouse in Newark in 2014.— By Julio Cortez/Associated Press
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