David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT W. SANTILLO, 46, of Milford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to two counts of tax evasion.
           
According to court documents and statements made in court, SANTILLO was employed by Cherry Hill Construction Company in a managerial position with responsibilities that included evaluating potential construction jobs, preparing and submitting bids for construction jobs, supervising demolition and asbestos projects, selecting subcontractors to perform on certain construction jobs and managing jobs being performed.  B&G Enterprises, Inc. was a subcontractor for Cherry Hill Construction on numerous asbestos abatement projects performed in Connecticut.

In 2005 and 2006, SANTILLO received a total of approximately $790,600 from B&G Enterprises in the form of cash, checks payable to SANTILLO and checks payable to SCC Consultants, LLC, a nominee entity SANTILLO formed in an effort to conceal taxable income from the Internal Revenue Service.  SANTILLO deposited most of these payments into his personal bank account and an SCC Consultants bank account that SANTILLO used to pay numerous personal expenses.  SANTILLO failed to pay taxes on this income, and failed to file federal tax returns for these two years.

In pleading guilty, SANTILLO also admitted that he failed to file federal tax returns for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years, during which he had total gross income of $319,587.

Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for August 22, 2012, at which time SANTILLO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $200,000.  SANTILLO also owes $795,210 in back taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties.

Following the court proceeding, SANTILLO, who has been detained since his arrest on March 28, 2012, was released on a $500,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Doug Morabito and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sean Beaty.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

 

 

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