Roommates, what do y’all think about this punishment? According to CNN, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” just got an eight month prison sentence, along with two years of supervised release, for tax evasion.
Along with his time behind bars, he was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine within 30 days and finish 500 hours of community service.
Back in January, the reality TV star pled guilty to tax evasion and concealing his income, following a 2014 indictment. CNN reports that The Situation and his brother, Marc Sorrentino, reportedly falsified their business and personal tax returns from 2010 to 2012 by claiming cars, clothes and other expensive “personal grooming expenses” as legitimate business costs. The Situation also reportedly did not pay Uncle Sam a dime in 2011 even though he made $2 million.
“Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances,” U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. “The brothers allegedly also claimed costly clothes and cars as business expenses and funneled company money into personal accounts.” Sources say the inaccurately reported $8.9 million in income.
Prosecutors said the brothers avoided paying taxes on income from two businesses they controlled, MPS Entertainment and Situation Nation. They also made illegal transfers from the business accounts to their personal accounts.
Allegedly, they didn’t pay pay personal income tax, either. Michael Sorrentino did not pay any income tax in 2011, despite earning nearly $2 million, according to the indictment.
The indictment said the brothers made millions through appearance fees for Michael and other side businesses, including the publication of The Situation’s autobiography and a comic book featuring him as a superhero. Michael Sorrentino also had endorsement deals for various products, including vitamins, tuxedos and sunglasses.
Richard Sapinski, the Newark lawyer representing Michael Sorrentino, said his client had surrendered and was expected to be released on a bond later Wednesday.
The Situation’s brother was also hit with a two-year prison sentence and $75,000 fine.
