Massachusetts

Mass. Restaurant Owners Avoid Prison for Tax Evasion

Three members of the family that owned a Massachusetts restaurant convicted in a $3 million tax evasion scheme have avoided prison.

A federal judge Wednesday ordered Wednesday that William and Theodora Panousos, and their son, and Konstantinos Panousos, not to leave the city of Peabody for 18 months. They were also ordered to make full restitution for unpaid taxes, and pay a $150,000 fine.

They all pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy and aiding in the filing of false tax returns. Prosecutors say the family engaged in a scheme to skim off revenue from Giovanni's Roast Beef and Pizza, thus avoiding taxes.

Some of the money was kept by the family, while other unreported income was used to pay cash to suppliers.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us