Operators of Illegal Gambling and Tax Evasion in Ohio Receive 30-Year Sentence
Skill game parlor owners in Ohio get hefty prison sentences for crimes related to illegal gambling operations
Christos Karasarides Jr., 59, and Ronald DiPietro, 65, were convicted of various offenses linked to their illegal gambling enterprises. They owned the Canton-area gaming parlor, the Skilled Shamrock, and Redemption Skill Games 777, among others.
Last week, Karasarides was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for charges including tax evasion, money laundering, illegal gambling, and obstruction. DiPietro received 9 years and 4 months on charges of illegal gambling and tax evasion.
Ohio law prohibits skill games from offering cash payouts, only gift cards with a value of up to $10. However, Karasarides and DiPietro were violating these rules and making millions. The Skilled Shamrock alone generated revenue of around $34 million between 2012 and 2017, resulting in a $7 million profit, according to court documents.
Tax Evasion Scheme
In an attempt to hide their ownership of their gambling business, Karasarides and DiPietro appointed nominee owners through sham contracts. They also failed to pay taxes on most of their income, using the money to buy luxury vehicles, country club memberships, and high-end property. They kept large amounts of cash and silver at their homes or properties they controlled.
Karasarides took lavish gambling trips, betting millions at legal casinos across the country, according to prosecutors. DiPietro, a certified public accountant, helped Karasarides falsify his tax returns. Karasarides caused a tax loss of $5.4 million to the IRS, while DiPietro caused $4.7 million in losses.
To make matters worse, Karasarides got people to lie for him during the investigation, even those who had received federal grand jury subpoenas to testify in the case.
Indictment of 10 People
The two men were among 10 people indicted in July for their connections to illegal slots parlors. Other nominee owners of Karasarides' and DiPietro's businesses, including Karasarides' son, Christopher Karasarides, were also indicted.
Karasarides must pay $5,541,520 to the federal government, which includes his unpaid tax bill. DiPietro will owe restitution of $4,763,520. Both will be under close supervision after their release from prison.
Another person involved in the Skilled Shamrock, Larry Dayton, pleaded guilty in July to defrauding the government. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison for hiding his ownership of the facility and keeping over $2 million in revenue hidden from the tax authorities.
[somnia Show=1 Link="https://www.somnia.io" Subtext="Automate Your Life"]
[example_image]
Read also:
- Leverkusen claims victory in the cup, securing a double triumph.
- Alonso achieves a double victory after consuming a German brew.
- Does the SVolt factory in Saarland face stability issues?
- Furor surrounding Sylt scandal footage