NJ Resident Faces Charges for Alleged Tax Evasion and IRS Obstruction

A local man's indictment for tax evasion and IRS obstruction brings federal law enforcement into focus.

In a significant legal development, Matthew Tucci, a 51-year-old resident of West Long Branch, Monmouth County, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged with tax evasion and efforts to obstruct IRS laws, as stated by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. 

The charges stem from an indictment that was unsealed today, highlighting Tucci's alleged attempts to evade tax payments for the years 2015 and 2016, in addition to corruptly endeavoring to obstruct IRS laws. Tucci is set to appear for his initial court session this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in the Trenton federal court.

The case documents reveal that Tucci, during the years 2015 and 2016, reportedly received millions in income from refunds by the Customs and Tax Administration of the Kingdom of Denmark. Despite acknowledging over $2 million in tax liabilities from this income on his federal returns, he failed to settle these taxes fully at their due times. 

Further accusations include Tucci's purchase of real estate valued over $7.6 million, while allegedly attempting to hide his assets from the IRS through fraudulent transactions intended to obscure the true ownership of his properties.

Moreover, Tucci is accused of providing false statements to IRS officers and omitting crucial information regarding his financial capabilities and intentions to settle his tax debts.

Facing severe legal consequences, Tucci could receive up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for tax evasion, with the obstruction charge carrying a potential three-year prison term and a $100,000 fine.

This arrest was made possible through the collaborative efforts of IRS-Criminal Investigation agents, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark, and FBI agents, under Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the Trenton Branch Office, Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis, and Trial Attorney Catriona M. Coppler of the Tax Division.

It is crucial to remember that these charges are merely accusations at this stage, and Tucci is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal repercussions of tax evasion and obstructing IRS operations, underlining the federal government's commitment to upholding tax laws.