A New Jersey resident, Matthew Tucci from West Long Branch, has pleaded guilty to tax evasion. According to court documents and statements, Tucci filed tax returns for 2015 and 2016 showing he owed over $2 million in taxes each year. Despite acknowledging the debt, he did not fully pay the taxes when due. Instead, Tucci invested in real estate and conducted transactions to hide his interest in these properties.
In 2017, after receiving notices from the IRS regarding unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties for the years 2015 and 2016, Tucci transferred several properties to an entity owned by another person while maintaining control over two of them. He sold one property and refinanced another, using the proceeds for personal expenses rather than settling his tax liabilities. In 2019, Tucci submitted false documents to the IRS claiming no connection to the entity owning 12 properties.
Tucci is set for sentencing on October 9, 2025. He could face up to five years in prison along with supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The announcement was made by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey.
The investigation is being conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
Trial Attorney Catriona Coppler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Belgiovine are prosecuting this case.
