Suburban Pizzeria Owner Gets 4 Years for Largest Sales Tax Evasion in State History
Plea Deal Leads to Prison Sentence
A suburban pizzeria owner has been sentenced to four years in prison for pulling off the largest sales tax evasion uncovered by authorities in state history. Sam Cirrincione, 60, pleaded guilty on November 12 to a felony count of continuing a financial criminal enterprise.
Allegations of Tax Evasion
Prosecutors accused Cirrincione of failing to report over $104 million in income from a chain of family-owned pizza restaurants and businesses in Chicago and the suburbs. This is the largest amount ever discovered during a sales tax evasion investigation in Illinois history, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Restitution and Sentencing
Cirrincione has paid back $10.5 million in restitution to the state from eight restaurants and businesses he owned, according to court records. However, he was sentenced to four years in prison, with the possibility of parole. Cirrincione is expected to be paroled on December 20 from Stateville Correctional Center, where he is currently incarcerated.
Investigation and Charges
Authorities carried out a search warrant of Cirrincione’s home in June 2019, prosecutors said at his 2022 arraignment. At the time, prosecutors said Cirrincione underreported gross revenue of his restaurants by more than $100 million between 2010 and June 2019. The charges were the result of a long-term investigation that focused on five of Cirrincione’s restaurants.
Background on the Case
The businesses, some of which are now listed as closed, include Pizza Pete, Biago Cirrincione Inc., Mr. B’s Stuffed Pizza, Suparossa on Western, Suparossa Woodridge, 86 Food Source, Mia Café, and Bella Donna. Authorities allegedly found about $118,500 in cash marked by date and restaurant during the search of Cirrincione’s home.
Conclusion
The case of Sam Cirrincione serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with state tax laws and regulations. The Illinois Department of Revenue and other law enforcement agencies will continue to work to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in tax evasion and other financial crimes.
FAQs
* What is the largest sales tax evasion in state history?
The largest sales tax evasion in state history is over $104 million, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue.
* How much restitution has Cirrincione paid back to the state?
Cirrincione has paid back $10.5 million in restitution to the state from eight restaurants and businesses he owned.
* How long is Cirrincione sentenced to prison?
Cirrincione is sentenced to four years in prison, with the possibility of parole.
* When is Cirrincione expected to be paroled?
Cirrincione is expected to be paroled on December 20 from Stateville Correctional Center.
