Former reality TV celebrity Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino has been indicted for tax evasion, after federal prosecutors accused him and his brother of hiding millions of dollars he made while a cast member of the MTV series "Jersey Shore."
In an indictment obtained and made public by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, Sorrentino and his brother Marc each faces nine criminal counts, some of which overlap, and including their alleged conspiracy to defraud the United States.
The new charges expand a case first brought against them in September 2014.
An arraignment is scheduled for April 17.
"Michael Sorrentino will enter a not guilty plea on April 17, 2017, and will vigorously contest the allegations," his lawyer Kristen Santillo said in an email.
A lawyer for Marc Sorrentino did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
"Jersey Shore" ran from 2009 to 2012, featuring 20-something Italian-Americans partying, tanning and complaining about their jobs at a beachfront T-shirt stand.
Now 34, Michael Sorrentino popularized the phrase "gym, tan, laundry" to describe the pre-party routine of cast members.
The Sorrentino brothers were originally charged with trying to avoid taxes on $8.9 million of Michael Sorrentino's income from 2010 to 2012.
Prosecutors said they under-reported income, and claimed millions of dollars of expenses on clothes, expensive vehicles and other personal items as business expenses.
The new indictment accused Michael Sorrentino of evading taxes in 2011 by hiding income, not filing a personal return, and filing a false return for his company Situation Nation Inc.
It also accused him of having on several days in 2011 and 2012 made multiple cash deposits of less than $10,000 in different bank accounts to avoid federal reporting requirements.
Marc Sorrentino was accused of altering books and records of Situation Nation and MPS Entertainment LLC, in which the brothers owned stakes, after receiving grand jury subpoenas.
The brothers' accountant, Gregg Mark, pleaded guilty in December 2015 to filing fraudulent tax returns on their behalf. His sentencing is scheduled for June 15.
Michael Sorrentino faces a maximum 10 years in prison on each of two counts over the bank deposits, and five years for the alleged tax evasion.
His brother faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted for obstructing a grand jury probe.
Reuters
Sat Apr 08 2017
Now 34, Michael Sorrentino popularized the phrase "gym, tan, laundry" to describe the pre-party routine of cast members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.