DeBlasio’s Owner Sentenced for Tax Evasion

PITTSBURGH – The grim halls of federal court have once again witnessed the heavy hand of justice, as Donald J. DeBlasio, 69, owner of the notorious Presto, PA, eatery DeBlasio’s, was sentenced to five years of probation, including 24 months of home detention, and a $10,000 fine plus 500 hours of community service for his conviction of federal income tax evasion.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced the sentence today, a move that has left many in the local business community scratching their heads. According to court documents, DeBlasio engaged in the sinister practice of ‘skimming’ cash from restaurant sales, a sly method that resulted in a stunning total tax loss of $341,128.62. The funds were funneled away through false personal, corporate, and payroll tax returns filed between 2007 and 2009.

Judge David S. Cercone, who imposed the sentence, made it clear that while underpayment of taxes is a serious issue, the defendant’s age played a role in his lenient sentence. “Under-payment of taxes is one of the most serious problems in our country,” said Judge Cercone, “but [the defendant’s] age is a factor and not every case warrants incarceration.”

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon prosecuted the case with relentless determination on behalf of the government. U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for their crucial role in the investigation that led to DeBlasio’s successful prosecution.

This sentence sends a stark reminder to business owners and individuals alike: tax evasion is no laughing matter, and those who think they can game the system will face the full brunt of the law. DeBlasio’s case serves as a cautionary tale in the ongoing battle against financial corruption and white-collar crime.

The grimy truth about DeBlasio’s and its owner has been laid bare, and as the community grapples with this revelation, one thing is certain: justice has been served for the $341,128.62 lost to tax evasion.