Jioio’s Restaurants Owner Pleads Guilty To Income Tax Evasion

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Greensburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of federal income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jeanean C. Smith pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, as owner of Jioio's Restaurants in Latrobe and North Huntingdon, defendant engaged in the practice of "skimming" cash from restaurant sales, resulting in a total tax loss of $438,661 from the filing of false personal, corporate and payroll tax returns during the years 2006-2009.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2013 at 10:00 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 the defendant on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jeanean C. Smith.