MORRISTOWN, NJ — Two men behind roofing businesses in New Jersey and New York have been indicted for federal tax evasion after allegedly failing to report more than $2 million in income to the IRS over a four-year span.
Steve Mitchell, also known as Sonny Mitchell, of Edison, NJ, and Samuel Mitchell, of Bohemia, NY, each face four counts of tax evasion, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. The indictment covers conduct from 2018 to 2021.
Federal prosecutors allege the Mitchells received substantial payments from roofing clients—approximately $881,730 for Steve and $1.39 million for Samuel—without filing tax returns or paying any income taxes. Instead, the two men are accused of cashing checks using false Social Security numbers to avoid IRS reporting requirements.
In a separate allegation, Steve Mitchell is said to have received more than $4.2 million from an elderly individual by falsely claiming the funds would be invested in a COVID-19 mask production venture. Prosecutors claim that money was also turned into cash and not reported.
Each charge of tax evasion carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The IRS Criminal Investigation division, led by Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, conducted the investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey S. Smith in Newark.
As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
