Reality-show star pleads not guilty in tax 'Situation'

NEWARK – It's a $9 million situation for "The Situation.''

Jersey Shore reality TV star Mike "The Situation'' Sorrentino entered a plea of not guilty Thursday to cheating the government out of taxes.

Sorrentino, 32, appeared before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton for his arraignment. The Sept. 25 indictment accuses Mike and his brother Marc of filing false business and personal tax returns in 2010, 2011 and 2012 involving $8.9 million in earnings. The pair failed to report some of their income and they reported some personal expenses, like luxury cars, expensive clothing and personal grooming bills, as business expenses.

Both remain out on $250,000 bail.

Richard J. Sapinski, the attorney for "The Situation,'' told Wigenton in court that "Mr. Sorrentino pleads not guilty on all counts relating to him.''

Sorrentino didn't speak and also had nothing to say as he walked past TV crews outside the courthouse.

Sorrentino delayed the original court hearing date of Oct. 6 in his tax fraud case so he could film another reality TV show. He and his fiancee are scheduled to appear on Marriage Boot Camp, which filmed for two weeks ending Oct. 19.

This is far from Sorrentino's first appearance in court. On Sept. 29, a complaint alleging that the MTV reality star wrote bad checks was dismissed, according to a Middletown Township court official.

The reality TV star also is due to appear in the township's court again on Oct. 27 for a hearing related to his arrest July 15 on assault charges at the Boca Tanning Club, a local business he owns with his family.