By: Richard L. Smith
John Constantino, 67, a business owner from Ridgewood faces serious allegations of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns, as disclosed by U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger.
In a detailed 18-count indictment, Constantino is accused of six counts of tax evasion and twelve counts of failing to file tax returns, spotlighting a significant breach of federal tax laws.
Constantino, who has been at the helm of a fireproofing and painting business since 1989, allegedly skirted financial obligations to the U.S. government from 2017 to 2022.
Court documents reveal that despite earning income during this period, both Constantino and his business failed to report substantial earnings.
This oversight resulted in an unpaid tax bill totaling $682,735, according to federal authorities.
The indictment unveils a calculated attempt by Constantino to hide his and his company's financial gains from the IRS.
Among the tactics used, Constantino reportedly cashed checks worth approximately $13 million that were made out to his business, opting to use a check cashing facility to obscure the funds.
Additionally, he is accused of strategically structuring cash deposits into bank accounts associated with himself and his company.
This maneuver was purportedly designed to evade Currency Transaction Reports to the U.S. Department of Treasury, which are mandatory for deposits exceeding $10,000.
The charges against Constantino carry severe penalties.
For tax evasion, he could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 per count. Failure to file tax returns could result in a year of imprisonment and a $100,000 fine for each count.