Former "Jersey Shore" star Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino was sentenced to eight months in prison for tax evasion Friday.
Sorrentino, 37, previously pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. His 39-year-old brother, Marc Sorrentino, was sentenced to 24 months in prison after admitting he helped prepare false or fraudulent tax returns for three years.
“The law requires all Americans to pay our fair share of taxes,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. “These defendants deliberately flouted this requirement, acting as though fame and celebrity status placed them above the law. They are not. Tax fraud is as serious as any other form of theft from the government, and the sentences imposed today should make that abundantly clear.”
The reality television personality admitted that in 2011 he hid some of his income by making cash deposits of less than $10,000 into bank accounts so as not to draw the attention of the IRS. He could have faced a five-year sentence.
“Lying to and defrauding the federal government is a very serious crime, regardless of a defendant’s celebrity status,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard Zuckerman. “The Sorrentino brothers chose to use Michael’s fame to benefit themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer, and with the help of our federal partners, they were held accountable.”
Marc Sorrentino admitted that for tax years 2010, 2011 and 2012, he gave accountants false information while helping them prepare his tax returns, under-reporting his total income and taxable income.
“Tax crimes, plain and simple, are an outright theft from the hardworking American public,” said IRS Special Agent in Charge John Tafur. “The courts recognize the severity of these crimes and now Michael and Marc Sorrentino are convicted felons with prison sentences to serve for intentionally disregarding their tax obligations to our country.”
Michael Sorrentino also will have two years of supervision following his release from prison. He also must serve 500 hours of community service. He was fined $10,000 and already has paid $123,000 in restitution. Marc Sorrentino will have one year of supervised release, and was fined $7,500. His restitution will be determined at a later date.
