Downtown Pittsburgh Jeweler Admits Failing To File Required IRS Form

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh jeweler pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of failing to file a report of currency received by a non-financial business, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Efraim Tuti, 42, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 7, 2011, Tuti, who was engaged in the jewelry business known as 2T Jewelers on Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh, for the purpose of evading federal reporting requirements, failed to file an Internal Revenue Service Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business, following the receipt of approximately $11,000 in currency as partial payment for a diamond ring purchased by an undercover IRS agent for a total of $22,000. Tuti acknowledged during the plea hearing that he also sold a $13,000 pair of earrings to the undercover agent, after which he failed to file the IRS Form 8300, as required. On Feb. 22, 2013, $125,070 was seized by the IRS during the execution of a search warrant at 2T Jewelers. Tuti agreed to forfeit the money to the United States as part of his entry of a guilty plea.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2014, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released Tuti on a $25,000, unsecured bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Efraim Tuti.