Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino, brother indicted in tax fraud case

NEWARK, N.J. -- Former "Jersey Shore" star Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino and his brother are under arrest and facing tax fraud charges after prosecutors say they did not properly pay taxes on $8.9 million in income Michael Sorrentino received from promotional activities.

Michael and Marc Sorrentino are each charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing false tax returns for 2010 through 2012. Michael Sorrentino faces an additional count for allegedly failing to file a tax return for 2011.

The defendants are expected to surrender to special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and United States Marshals prior to their court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court.

They each face three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count charging Michael Sorrentino with failing to file a tax return carries a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

"According to the indictment, Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances," U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. "The brothers allegedly also claimed costly clothes and cars as business expenses and funneled company money into personal accounts. The law is absolutely clear: telling the truth to the IRS is not optional."

Michael Sorrentino is a reality television personality who first gained fame on "Jersey Shore," which appeared on the MTV network. Marc Sorrentino is also Michael's manager.