(CN) - Former "Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and his older brother and manager, Marc, have been indicted on charges they failed to properly pay taxes on $8.9 million in income.
According to U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman, the brothers filed false income tax returns from 2010 to 2012.
Each brother has been charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Marc Sorrentino was charged with three counts of filing false tax returns, his brother was charged with two counts.
Mike Sorrentino was also charged with failing to file a tax return at all for 2011, when he allegedly earned $1.9 million.
The brothers are accused of conspiring to underpay federal taxes on income generated by two companies they control: MPS Entertainment and Situation Nation Inc.
The indictment states that as part of the conspiracy, the Sorrentinos submitted documents to the IRS that understated the gross receipts received through the two companies and dramatically under-reported the amount of income they received.
"Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances," Fishman said in a written statement. "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," Fishman added.
The brothers face a maximum of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. Mike Sorrentino could also face an additional year in prison and $100,000 fine if he's convicted of failing to file his 2011 return.
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