Summary: Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino and his brother, Marc Sorrentino, are facing several tax fraud charges in federal court, which could land them in prison.
Michael Sorrentino, who goes by “The Situation” on MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” has pleaded not guilty to tax and conspiracy charges, USA Today reports. On Wednesday, Sorrentino, along with his brother, Marc Sorrentino, entered the plea on Wednesday in federal court. The two surrendered to U.S. Marshals and IRS special agents earlier that day.
The two are accused of not properly paying taxes on $8.9 million that “The Situation” earned from promotional appearances and activities. The hearing, which lasted only seven and a half minutes, was before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in U.S. District Court. The Sorrentinos were each released on a $250,000 unsecured bond.
The brothers are each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Marc is charged with three counts of filing false tax returns from 2010-2012, whereas Michael is charged with two counts of filing false tax returns during that same period. In addition, “The Situation” is charged with an additional count for failing to file a 2011 tax return.
The allegations are that the Sorrentino brothers fraudulently claimed millions of dollars in personal expenses as business expenses. This included expensive vehicles, nice clothes, and even personal grooming. Direct payments were made from the businesses to personal bank accounts. Much of the income went to two companies that the pair control called MPS Entertainment and Situation Nation.
Jonathan D. Larsen, acting special agent in charge from the IRS’ Criminal Investigation’s Newark office, stated, “Rather than living in reality and reporting their true income, Michael Sorrentino and his brother Marc created the illusion that they earned less income by filing false and fraudulent tax returns.”
The indictment also reads that the Sorrentinos earned income from a vodka company, publication of an autobiography, an online clothing company, and even a comic book which include “The Situation” as a superhero. In addition, money was earned by endorsing tuxedos, DVDs, clothing, vitamins, and sunglasses.
As for the pair’s public appearances at various nightclubs and bars, many of the fees, which ranged from $1500 to $48,000, were paid in cash. They are accused of failing to report $184,000 in cash received in 2010, $154,000 in 2011, and $311,000 in 2012.
Richard Sapinski, a Newark attorney, represents “The Situation.” The two would not comment on the case. Sorrentino said “Thanks, guys” to reporters who were present after the hearing. One of the reporters present asked, “What’s your tax situation, Mike?” Another person from the media noted it was “most impressive” that “The Situation” earned $9 million from the “Jersey Shore” series. The reality show, which highlighted drunken parties and other antics of “The Situation” and his housemates, ran from 2009-2012.
Marc Sorrentino left the courthouse with his attorney, Chris Adams of Colts Neck, and did not speak to cameramen and reporters that had gathered outside the courthouse.
If convicted, the maximum penalty for the conspiracy charge carries up to five years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine. The charges for filing false tax returns carry up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Failing to file a tax return could land “The Situation” in prison for up to a year and force him to pay up to $100,000 in fines.
“The Situation” has been in trouble with the law before. At the end of July, he appeared in Middletown Municipal Court for an assault charge. Judge Richard Thompson adjourned the case for 12 weeks while Sorrentino attended anger management therapy. He was accused of assaulting his brother, Frank.
It’s possible that the charges will be amended to a municipal offense, which is the equivalent of a noise violation, if Sorrentino completes the anger management program.
Marc Sorrentino was accused of hitting Kathryn Redino in the stomach and forearm as he exited a limousine in 2010. Although no charges were filed, Redino signed a complaint later that accused Marc Sorrentino of simple assault. A response was filed by Sorrentino which accused Redino of providing false information to law enforcement. Sorrentino and Redino ended up dropping the complaints against each other.
The brothers will be arraigned on the federal indictment on October 6 before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.
They are also set to star in a new reality show called “The Sorrentinos,” which also features their brother Frank, their sister Melissa, and their mother, Linda Sorrentino.
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