Related Federal Cases
49-Year-Old Canton Man Rakes in Millions, Pays Zero
CANTON, Ohio – Steven Saris, a 49-year-old Canton man, pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, operating an illegal gambling business, and money laundering associated with his ownership and operation of illegal gambling businesses in Northeast Ohio and Florida.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Saris owned and operated multiple illegal gambling businesses, including Café 62, Lucky’s, Winner’s World, and Spin City, from 2009 through 2022. He also arranged for others to serve as nominee owners to conceal his involvement in these businesses.
For tax year 2015, Saris filed a false tax return that did not report more than $1.4 million in income he received from his illegal gambling businesses. For tax years 2016 through 2021, Saris did not file tax returns or pay all the tax that he owed despite earning more than $8.5 million in income from his illegal gambling businesses.
Saris used his proceeds from the illegal gambling businesses to gamble millions at legal casinos and to acquire and renovate at least two residential properties located in Canton, Ohio. His conduct caused a tax loss to the IRS of $2,823,391.
In July 2018, law enforcement executed search warrants at multiple illegal gambling businesses and associated locations in Northeast Ohio. Following those search warrants, Saris made false statements to law enforcement. At the same time, he continued operating the illegal gambling businesses in Ohio and did not disclose these operations to law enforcement.
Saris’ sentencing is scheduled for August 8. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the counts of money laundering and five years in prison for both tax evasion and for operating an illegal gambling business. Saris also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Inspector General, Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, Ohio Casino Control Commission, and Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission-Major Crimes Task Force investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Sam Bean and Hayter Whitman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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