Restaurateur Pleads Guilty To Income Tax Evasion

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

Donald J. DeBlasio pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, as owner of DeBlasio's, the defendant engaged in the practice of "skimming" cash from restaurant sales, resulting in a total tax loss of $341,128.62 from the filing of false personal, corporate and payroll tax returns during the years 2007-2009.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for 11 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2013. 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 DeBlasio.