PITTSBURGH — A sordid chapter in the annals of Westmoreland County’s dining scene has come to a close. Jeanean C. Smith, owner of Jioio’s Restaurants in Latrobe and North Huntingdon, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond to five years probation, including one year of home detention, for her conviction on federal income tax evasion charges.
The court’s decision, announced by U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton, reflected a leniency that took into account Smith’s personal circumstances and the need to run her business to repay the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The sentence also mandates that Smith file all outstanding tax returns, along with penalties and interest.
According to information presented in court, Smith was accused of ‘skimming’ cash from restaurant sales over a period of three years, 2006-2009. This fraudulent practice resulted in a staggering $438,661 tax loss through the filing of false personal, corporate, and payroll tax returns.
Judge Diamond noted that the defendant’s ability to maintain her business as a means of repayment was a compelling factor in determining the sentence, which would allow Smith to continue running her operations while under scrutiny.
Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, while U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the IRS Criminal Investigation division for their role in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.
This sentence serves as a stark reminder that even those who operate in the public eye are not immune to the law’s reach when it comes to financial misdeeds. Smith’s conviction is another testament to the IRS’ dedication to ensuring compliance with federal tax laws.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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