Tax Fraud Scheme Helped Fund Construction Of PA's Largest Home

PITTSBURGH, PA — Nearly five years ago, federal authorities accused Joseph Nocito of building what is believed to be Pennsylvania's largest residence on a foundation of tax fraud. On Thursday, Nocito pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to a count of conspiracy.

As part of the guilty plea, Nocito faces up to five years in prison and must pay the Internal Revenue Service $15.8 million in restitution before his sentencing date in March, according to U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung's office.

Nocito, 80, the former president and chief executive officer of AHS Inc., a health services management company was alleged to have conspired to have construction costs for his multimillion dollar personal residence be recorded as business expenses of companies he controlled.

Nocito built the mansion, which Forbes and ridiculousrealestate.com said likely the largest in the state, in 2003. In a 2021 profile of the house, homesoftherich.net stated that Nocito's home made neighboring million-dollar homes in the Pittsburgh suburb of Bell Acres “look like puny shacks."

See more photos of the home here.

The 39,000 square-foot home has 34 rooms, including 12-bedrooms, 13 full bathrooms, 8 half-bathrooms, and also boasts 22 fireplaces. The current assessed value is $4.2 million.

Online photos of 6.2 acre-lot on which the mansion sits includes a large swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, garden and several fountains.

According to Chung's office, the vast estate was known as "Villa Nocci."