'The Situation' has a problem: 'Jersey Shore' star Mike Sorrentino pleads not guilty to tax fraud

By RYAN GORMAN

Life is proving to be far from a beach for one former "Jersey Shore" cast member.

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, 32, pleaded not guilty to income Wednesday afternoon in a federal court in Newark. His brother Marc Sorrentino also pleaded not guilty to related charges.

Mike and his brother Marc were both charged in the alleged scheme, authorities announced Wednesday via Twitter.

Officials contend Mike Sorrentino filed fraudulent tax returns to evade paying his share against nearly $9 million in earnings, officials said in a press release.

Mike Sorrentino was the most high-profile member of the cast and went on to open a chain of tanning salons in Florida, New Jersey and New York following the show's end.

Marc Sorrentino lists himself on Twitter as a CEO and DJ.

"Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances," said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman. "The brothers allegedly also claimed costly clothes and cars as business expenses and funneled company money into personal accounts."

The television personality did not even file a tax return for 2011: A year in which the IRS claims he earned just under $2 million.

The Situation is known to flaunt his wealth and has often been seen racing around both Florida and New Jersey in pricey cars.

Each brother is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the government and multiple counts of filing fraudulent tax returns. The criminal charges carry a maximum prison sentence of three years behind bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

The duo is due back in court October 6.

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