Two roofing company owners from New Jersey and New York are facing charges of tax evasion, according to a statement by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. The indictment accuses Steve Mitchell, also known as "Sonny Mitchell," and Samuel Mitchell of failing to file tax returns and avoiding paying taxes on their income.
Court documents reveal that both men operated roofing businesses under multiple names and earned significant income between 2018 and 2021, approximately $881,730.26 for Steve Mitchell and $1,397,960.21 for Samuel Mitchell. They allegedly did not report this income to the Internal Revenue Service and took steps to hide their earnings. These actions included using false social security numbers at check cashing businesses to prevent the IRS from receiving information about the transactions.
Additionally, the indictment notes that Steve Mitchell received over $4.2 million from an elderly individual who believed it was an investment into a COVID mask-making business. This sum was later converted into cash by Steve Mitchell.
Each count of tax evasion carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The investigation that led to these charges was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey S. Smith is prosecuting the case in Newark. It is emphasized that the indictment's charges are currently allegations, and both men are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
Representation for the defendants includes Michael A. Baldassare for Steve Mitchell and Robert Scrivo for Samuel Mitchell.