East Tawas Man Pleads Guilty To Filing False Tax Returns

A 47-year old East Tawas man pleaded guilty to willfully filing a false tax return for 2007, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today. 

Ms. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.

According to court records, during 2006 through 2009, Paul Galea was the manager and owner of G’s Pizzeria & Deli of East Tawas   He gave incorrect information to his tax return preparer, underreporting his gross receipts, causing both his business tax returns and the personal tax returns to be false.

In addition, Galea admits that by failing to report all of the gross income during 2006 – 2009 he caused a tax loss to the United States in the amount of more than $80,000.

Galea entered the guilty plea in United States District Court before United States Magistrate Judge Charles E. Binder

"As filing season comes to an end this case serves as a reminder that it is important to note that those who do not file accurate returns and pay their fair share of taxes face severe consequences, in fairness to the vast majority of business owners that abide by the law," said Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez. 
       
Galea’s guilty plea will be considered by United States District Judge Thomas L. Ludington.  If the plea is accepted Judge Ludington will sentence Galea at a hearing tentatively scheduled for August 1, 2013 at 3 pm..  The maximum penalty for filing a false tax return is imprisonment for not more than three years and a $250,000.  

The investigation of this case was conducted by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Haviland.