Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino has been charged with alleged tax evasion.
The former ‘Jersey Shore’ star, 32, has been accused of deliberately filing fraudulent returns between 2010 and 2012 in order to make it appear he had paid the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) in full after earning $8.9 million, and also of failing to file a tax return in 2011.
The Situation’s brother, Marc Sorrentino, has also been charged with conspiracy to commit tax fraud and they both appeared in court in Newark, New Jersey today (24.09.14), according to gossip website TMZ.com.
U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul J. Fishman told NJ.com: "Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances. The brothers allegedly also claimed costly clothes and cars as business expenses and funneled company money into personal accounts. The law is absolutely clear: telling the truth to the IRS is not optional."
Mike has been indicted on two counts of filing false returns and one count of conspiracy, which each carry a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The reality TV star could also be sentenced to a year in prison and receive a $100,000 fine if he’s convicted of failing to file his 2011 income tax return.
He appeared to acknowledge his mistakes on Twitter today, writing: "To be old and wise you must first be young and dumb."
The Situation charged with tax evasion
