Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino Must Abstain from Alcohol and Travel
— -- Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino must abstain from alcohol and restrict his travel to New Jersey and New York, according to the conditions of his bail.
Sorrentino and his older brother Marc appeared in federal court Wednesday on an indictment charging that they did not properly pay taxes on the $8.9 million the reality star earned for promotional activities.
The reality star's lawyer, Richard J. Sapinski, said late yesterday that his client is innocent.
"An indictment is merely an allegation. Michael, like every other citizen, is presumed innocent and has entered a not guilty plea. We believe that when all the facts are known it will be clear that Michael did nothing criminally wrong," Sapinski said.
Mike Sorrentino, who was charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, two counts of filing false tax returns and one count of failing to file a tax return, must abstain from using alcohol and may only travel in New York and New Jersey, unless otherwise approved, according to the terms of his bail. He must undergo drug testing as necessary, submit to pretrial services supervision and surrender his passport.
Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and His Brother, Marc, Charged With Tax Fraud Conspiracy
The Situation: 'Jersey Shore' Star's Drug Problem
In the past, Mike Sorrentino has struggled with an addiction to prescription pain killers, and in 2012, he checked into rehab to deal with the issue. However, at the time, he denied reports that he had been mixing that medication with alcohol.
Meanwhile, his brother and manager, Marc, who was also charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and three counts of filing false tax returns, faces similar terms of bail, though there is no mention of drug testing or alcohol use. However, he must surrender and/or not possess any firearms.
Both brothers are due back in court next month.
