DeBlasio’s Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

The owner of DeBlasio’s Restaurant has pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of federal income tax evasion, according to a release from the office of United States Attorney David J. Hickton.

Donald J. DeBlasio, of Presto, entered the guilty plea before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that DeBlasio engaged in the practice of "skimming" cash from restaurant sales, resulting in a total tax loss of $341,128.62 from the filing of false personal, corporate and payroll tax returns during the years 2007-2009.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of DeBlasio.

Cercone scheduled sentencing for 11 a.m. on Dec. 3. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, depending on the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

DeBlasio was released on bond, pending sentencing.