United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

STAMFORD LAWYER SENTENCED TO 16 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR TAX EVASION

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Douglas A. Bricker, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division in New England, announced that attorney JOSEPH RICHICHI, 61, of Stamford, Connecticut, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for tax evasion.  Judge Underhill also ordered RICHICHI to pay a fine in the amount of $15,000.  RICHICHI pleaded guilty to the offense on April 5, 2007.

“This sentence should send a clear message that anyone who evades paying their fair share of taxes faces the very real possibility of going to federal prison,” U.S. Attorney O’Connor stated.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, RICHICHI evaded paying taxes on more than $1.8 million he earned from the practice of law during the years 2000 through and including 2005.  In total, RICHICHI admitted that he failed to pay more than $600,000 in taxes that were due for those tax years.

“The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is a vital element in maintaining public confidence in our tax system,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Bricker.  “This case serves as an example that those who violate the law will be investigated by the IRS and brought to justice.”

RICHICHI has paid full restitution of $614,231 to the Internal Revenue Service, and an additional $763,076.37 in civil fraud penalties and interest.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter and Assistant United States Attorney Harold H. Chen.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov