Jersey Shore's 'Situation' faces five years in federal prison

Former “Jersey Shore” star Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino admitted to tax evasion Friday. Sorrentino, 36, faces as long as five years in prison when he is sentenced in April. His 38-year-old brother, Marc Sorrentino, pleaded guilty to aiding in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return, which carries a maximum of three years. Michael Sorrentino admitted to concealing some of his income in 2011, to avoid paying all the taxes he owed. He made cash deposits into bank accounts in amounts less than $10,000 each so that they would avoid attention from the IRS. Marc Sorrentino admitted that for his 2010, 2011 and 2012 tax returns, he provided his accountants with false information. His personal tax returns under-reported his total income and taxable income. “What the defendants admitted to today, quite simply, is tantamount to stealing money from their fellow taxpayers,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. “All of us are required by law to pay our fair share of taxes. Celebrity status does not provide a free pass from this obligation.” Carpenito and Principal Deputy Attorney General Richard Zuckerman credited special agents of the IRS, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan D. Larsen, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas. “As we approach this year’s filing season, today’s guilty pleas should serve as a stark reminder to those who would attempt to defraud our nation’s tax system,” Larsen said. “No matter what your stature is in our society, everyone is expected to play by the rules, and those who do not will be held accountable and brought to justice.”