Norwalk Bookkeeper Errico Admits $823K Theft, Tax Dodge

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Mark W. Errico, 64, of Norwalk, is facing up to 15 years in federal prison after admitting today to a two-decade-long scheme of embezzlement and tax evasion. Errico, a former bookkeeper, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill, confessing to siphoning over $823,476.22 from the companies he was entrusted to manage.

For roughly 20 years, Errico controlled the finances of two Norwalk-based businesses, handling everything from payroll to bank accounts. But between February 2011 and March 2014, that trust was shattered. Court documents reveal Errico systematically transferred stolen funds to cover his personal debts, a brazen abuse of his position. He didn’t stop there; authorities say he forged the owner’s signature on company checks, either cashing them directly or depositing them into an account for his own separate business.

The theft wasn’t Errico’s only crime. From 2011 through 2014, he actively worked to conceal $851,076.22 in income from the IRS, resulting in a staggering $265,326 tax loss for the federal government. In a particularly galling example, his 2013 tax return claimed a taxable income of just $31,200 – a blatant lie that omitted a staggering $536,434.50 stolen from his employers.

Errico pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud and one count of tax evasion. Judge Underhill has set sentencing for July 17, 2017, where Errico will learn his fate. The maximum sentence for these combined crimes is 15 years behind bars. But the financial repercussions don’t end there.

As part of the plea agreement, Errico has agreed to pay $654,546.09 in restitution to the companies he victimized. He’s also obligated to pay the full $265,326 in back taxes, along with accruing penalties and interest. He was released on bond pending his sentencing hearing. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about a calculated betrayal of trust.

The investigation was a joint effort by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed is prosecuting the case, ensuring Errico answers for his years of deception and financial wrongdoing. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.