Ex-Philly traffic judge admits to dodging taxes at his bar
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – A former Philadelphia traffic judge has admitted to cheating on his payroll taxes at his family-owned south Philadelphia bar.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports 51-year-old Michael Sullivan pleaded guilty Thursday to willfully failing to file quarterly tax returns that showed how many people he employed at the Fireside Tavern. He was accused of paying most of his staff under the table for seven years and failed to pay $48,000 in taxes.
He faces possible prison time and fines of up to $25,000. His attorney says he pleaded guilty in exchange for the government’s agreement not to press charges against his relatives.
Sullivan was acquitted in a ticket-fixing trial last year. Five judges and two suburban magistrates were convicted of charges including fraud and perjury in the case.