Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino has landed in hot water yet again — and this time the consequences could be very serious. According to NJ.com, the reality star and his older brother were due in federal court in Newark on Wednesday (September 24) after being accused of not properly paying taxes on $8.9 million in income.
Authorities indicted Mike, 32, and brother Marc on charges that they filed false income tax returns from 2010 to 2012; Mike was indicted on two counts while Marc, his manager, was indicted on three, and both were also hit with one count of conspiracy. According to the indictment, Mike allegedly failed to file a tax return in 2011, during which he made nearly $2 million in income.
“Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances,” U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said. “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.” They are also accused of conspiring to avoid paying federal taxes on income generated by two of their companies: MPS Entertainment, LLC and Situation Nation Inc.
In addition, the indictment says the brothers are accused of buying high-end cars and clothes for personal use and writing them off as business expenses. The charges of conspiracy and filing false returns each carry a maximum three year prison term and $250,000 fine, and The Situation could be facing an additional year in prison and $100,000 fine if convicted of failing to file the 2011 income tax return.
Situation, who famously coined the acronym “GTL” (Gym, Tan, Laundry) on MTV’s hit series, “Jersey Shore,” agreed to attend a 12-week anger management program as part of a July plea deal to resolve a simple assault charge he faced after a dispute with his brother, Frank, at their family’s tanning salon. He’s also in a dispute with his former lawyer, who claims the “Sorrentinos” star owes him nearly $30,000 in unpaid legal fees.
A spokesperson for Mike could not be reached for comment, but Mike posted a philosophical quote about the wisdom of age and folly of youth to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon.
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