BUFFALO, N.Y.—In a shocking turn of events, Sergio Ramses Mucino, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to tax evasion and conspiracy to unlawfully employ more than ten aliens during any 12-month period.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Mucino, the owner and operator of multiple restaurants in the Western New York area, including Don Tequila, El Agave, Agave, and La Divina, concealed cash payments, failed to collect payroll taxes, paid employees with cash, and placed assets in the names of others to evade payment of income taxes totaling $1,006,161 for the tax years 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Between March of 2014 and October 16, 2016, Mucino, along with co-defendants Jose Sanchez-Ocampo and Marguin Sanchez, conspired to hire at least 10 illegal aliens to work in the defendant’s restaurants.
Today’s plea also requires Mucino to forfeit nearly $40,000 in cash that was seized from his restaurants, a 2009 Porsche Boxster, and another $1,000,000 representing additional profits made from operating the restaurants against the laws of the United States.
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. noted, ‘As with the Internal Revenue Code, compliance with the immigration law is not an optional endeavor.’
‘Criminal charges and fines are among the useful tools to ensure employers maintain a legal workforce,’ said Kevin Kelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI Buffalo.
Jose Sanchez-Ocampo and Marguin Sanchez were previously convicted.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Sergio Ramses Mucino
Criminal Charges: Tax Evasion and Conspiracy to Unlawfully Employ More Than Ten Aliens
City and State: Buffalo, NY
Date: Not specified in the source
Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded guilty to tax evasion and conspiracy to unlawfully employ more than ten aliens
Dollar Amounts: $1,006,161 in taxes owed, $250,000 fine, $40,000 in cash to be forfeited, and $1,000,000 representing additional profits
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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