Jioio’s Owner Skims Cash, Faces Fed Tax Evasion Rap

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Greed and a blatant disregard for the law landed Jeanean C. Smith, the owner of Jioio’s Restaurants, in federal court today. Smith, a resident of Greensburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count of federal income tax evasion, admitting to a years-long scheme to cheat the government out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced the guilty plea, delivered before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond. The feds say Smith engaged in systematic “skimming” – pocketing cash from daily restaurant sales at her Latrobe and North Huntingdon Jioio’s locations – and then failing to report that income to the IRS. This wasn’t a simple oversight; it was a calculated effort to avoid paying what she owed.

The investigation revealed Smith’s deceit spanned from 2006 to 2009, resulting in a total tax loss of a staggering $438,661. She filed false personal, corporate, and payroll tax returns, attempting to conceal her ill-gotten gains. The IRS, through its Criminal Investigation division, meticulously untangled the financial web, exposing Smith’s scheme and bringing her to justice.

Judge Diamond has scheduled sentencing for November 12, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. Smith could face up to five years in federal prison, a hefty $250,000 fine, or both. The actual sentence will be determined by the seriousness of the offense and Smith’s criminal history – if any. The court released the defendant on bond pending sentencing, giving her a brief reprieve before facing the consequences of her actions.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is spearheading the prosecution, determined to hold Smith accountable for her financial crimes. This case serves as a stark warning: attempting to evade taxes will not go unnoticed. The IRS is relentless in its pursuit of those who try to defraud the system.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. For now, Jeanean C. Smith’s days of skimming cash appear to be over, and she’s facing a reckoning for her years of tax evasion. This isn’t just about the money; it’s about accountability and ensuring everyone pays their fair share.