Two individuals who own roofing companies have been indicted on charges of tax evasion for failing to file tax returns and pay taxes on their income. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the indictment of Steve Mitchell, also known as "Sonny Mitchell," from Edison, New Jersey, and Samuel Mitchell from Bohemia, New York. Both face four counts of tax evasion.
Documents and statements made in court reveal that Steve Mitchell and Samuel Mitchell, along with others, operated roofing businesses under various names. Between 2018 and 2021, Steve and Samuel Mitchell earned approximately $881,730.26 and $1,397,960.21, respectively, from their roofing operations. However, they did not file tax returns or pay taxes on this income. Instead, they allegedly attempted to hide their income from the IRS by providing false social security numbers to check cashing businesses to convert customer checks into cash. This action impeded these establishments from reporting the cashed checks to the IRS as legally required.
Beyond roofing income, Steve Mitchell reportedly received over $4.2 million from an elderly individual who believed they were investing in a COVID mask-making business. In 2020 and 2021, Steve Mitchell allegedly converted these checks into cash.
Each tax evasion count carries a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, directed by Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, were credited by U.S. Attorney Habba for their work on the investigation leading to these charges. The U.S. government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey S. Smith of the Criminal Division in Newark.
It is important to note that the charges and allegations detailed in the indictment are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Steve Mitchell is represented by attorney Michael A. Baldassare, Esq., while Samuel Mitchell is represented by Robert Scrivo, Esq.
