Charles R. Ehrenberg, Tax Evasion, Pennsylvania 2022

SCRANTON – A Hazleton roofing company owner has pleaded guilty to failing to pay required federal payroll taxes.

Charles R. Ehrenberg, 34, owner of Ehrenberg Roofing and Construction, Inc., pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022, before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to failing to collect and pay over several years’ worth of required federal payroll taxes.

According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the criminal information to which Ehrenberg pleaded guilty alleges that Ehrenberg, who was responsible, as owner of Ehrenberg Roofing and Construction, Inc., for collecting and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal payroll taxes, including Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes, willfully failed to pay over to the IRS these required taxes for the period from 2017 through 2020, in the total amount of $185,681.90.

These charges stem from an investigation by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Ehrenberg’s plea agreement includes a stipulation that the government will recommend a sentence of 15 months to 21 months in prison, and a fine of $5,000 to $10,000. The defendant will also be required to pay the full amount of unpaid payroll taxes, interest, and penalties.

The case is a reminder to all business owners of the importance of adhering to tax laws and regulations. The public is encouraged to report any suspected tax evasion or other white-collar crimes to the authorities.

Ehrenberg’s case will be sentenced at a later date, and he will be required to report to the designated correctional facility to begin serving his sentence.

The Hazleton community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

This is the second major case of tax evasion in the past year in the Scranton area. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in business dealings.

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