Guilford Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Charges

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANNUNZIATA GERMANA, also known as Annunziata Acquarlo, 31, of Guilford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to two counts of willfully failing to file a tax return.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GERMANA worked at Shoreline Finance and Marketing Corporation, which was a mortgage brokerage company owned and operated by Domenic Acquarulo, Jr. In 2007 and 2008, GERMANA used corporate credit cards and corporate checks to pay for many of her personal expenses, including rent for her apartment, car lease payments, jewelry, and clothing. She then classified these payments and purchases as business expenses in the bookkeeping records of the business.

GERMANA knew that payment of her personal expenses with Shoreline Finance funds was income to her. By virtue of this and other income she received in 2007 and 2008, GERMANA was required to file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, but failed to do so. In 2007 and 2008, GERMANA received approximately $30,835 and $34,382 in gross income, respectively.

Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for August 31, 2012, at which time GERMANA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of up to $200,000. GERMANA also owes back taxes and interest in the total amount of $13,397.70.

On March 13, 2012, Domenic Acquarulo, Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business, one count of filing a false tax return, and one count of willfully failing to timely file a tax return. He awaits sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anastasia Enos King.