Guilty Plea in IRS Fraud Conspiracy
A New York man, Aniello Strocchia of Maspeth, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to defraud the United States by concealing income from the IRS.
Concealing Income Through Check-Cashing
According to court documents and statements made in court, Strocchia was the owner and operator of an auto repair shop.
Between 2013 and 2017, Strocchia, in collaboration with others, engaged in a scheme to cash checks, amounting to over $1.3 million, that were made payable to his auto shop at check-cashing businesses.
Instead of depositing these funds into the business’s bank account, they were diverted for personal use.
False Tax Returns and Financial Deception
Strocchia went to great lengths to conceal this check-cashing activity from his tax return preparers. As a result, false tax returns were filed, understating the gross receipts and ordinary business income of the auto repair shop, as well as Strocchia’s total personal income.
The unreported income was used for various personal expenses, including luxury car purchases and significant home renovations.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Strocchia faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Additionally, he may be subject to a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider factors such as the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Announcement by Justice Department and U.S. Attorney
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York made the announcement of Strocchia’s guilty plea.
IRS-Criminal Investigation
The IRS-Criminal Investigation division is actively investigating this case, underscoring the government’s commitment to combat tax fraud.
Prosecution Team
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Matthew Cofer and Ann M. Cherry of the Tax Division, highlighting the government’s dedication to pursuing tax-related fraud cases.
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