OWNER OF GENTLEMAN’S CLUBS PLEADS GUILTY TO TAX EVASION

Martin C. Carlson, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that the owner of Formia, Inc., which had or has interests in three area gentleman’s clubs, admitted in court today to under-reporting his income on federal tax forms for a three-year time period.

Carlson stated that Bruno Dangio, age 53, a resident of New York, who also resided on occasion in Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to income tax evasion before U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley. Dangio admitted to under-reporting income for 2002, 2003, and 2004, which resulted in a tax loss of over $300,000. Dangio and/or his company formerly owned Superdad’s, owns the Pleasure Dome, and has interests in the Diamond Club.

Carslon stated that Dangio, as part of a plea agreement with the government, has already paid the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) all back taxes owed and more than $400,000 in additional interest and civil penalties.

Dangio’s prosecution resulted from an investigation by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.

Judge Munley scheduled sentencing in the case for May 6, 2008. Dangio faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Carlson noted that the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.

****