'Jersey Shore' Star Mike Sorrentino Indicted on Tax Fraud Charges of $8.9 Million, Faces Five to Ten Years if Convicted

It sounds like former Jersey Shore star Mike Sorrentino has found himself in quite a situation.

Apparently, the former reality show star and his brother, Marc Sorrentino, thought federal taxes were optional at times. Even worse, they may have knowingly filed fraudulent information, and that has led to a federal indictment for tax evasion.

Both brothers were charged with multiple counts and are facing a maximum penalty of between five and 10 years in prison if convicted.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said in a statement, "According to the indictment, 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."

It is alleged that Mike and Marc Sorrentino failed to properly pay taxes on approximately $8.9 million of income. The indictment alleges the pair submitted false and fraudulent tax returns by failing to report all the income they earned. Mike Sorrentino also allegedly failed to file a tax return in 2011, during which he earned nearly $2 million alone.

The $8.9 million in income was allegedly largely received through MPS Entertainment LLC and Situation Nation Inc., two companies established by the brothers. They also had smaller business entities called Situation Productions Inc., Situation Capital Investments LLC and GTL Management Inc. The companies made income largely through personal and television appearances by Mike Sorrentino, claims the indictment.

Christopher Adams, an attorney for Marc Sorrentino, slammed the government's case.

Did The Situation and his brother purposely set out to defraud the federal government out of taxes it was rightfully owed, or is this somehow a mistake they will try and blame on someone else? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Tags

Jersey Shore, Reality tv, Tax evasion, Jail, Millions, Snooki, Fake, Fraud