Santucci’s Original Square Pizza owner sentenced to one day in jail for tax evasion.

Frank Santucci Sr., a prominent figure in the Santucci’s Original Square Pizza chain, was sentenced on Monday to one day in jail and 18 months of supervised release after admitting to significant tax-related offenses. Over several years, Santucci, along with other officials from the company, understated the business’s earnings, leading to an estimated tax deficit of nearly .4 million.

The 67-year-old Santucci, who inherited the family business nearly five decades ago, expressed deep regret during his sentencing, acknowledging his actions as a long-standing cash skimming operation. He had previously pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion and filing false tax returns, acknowledging the mismanagement and deception inherent in his financial practices.

Prosecutors characterized Santucci as a patriarch within the family-run business, which operates multiple well-known pizza outlets in South Philadelphia, Roxborough, and North Broad Street. These establishments are celebrated for their distinct square, thick-crust pizzas, loaded with layers of sauce and cheese. According to federal prosecutors, Santucci maintained informal bookkeeping duties and was instrumental in a dual-record-keeping system that allowed him to hide substantial cash earnings from tax authorities.

This fraudulent practice reportedly began around 2017, coinciding with the implementation of an electronic point-of-sale system. While one set of records was shared with tax accountants, detailing payroll and legitimate expenses, a second set intentionally concealed the actual cash inflow of the business. Between 2015 and 2018, this misrepresentation resulted in an understatement of approximately million in earnings, leading to Santucci underpaying his personal taxes by around 0,000. Co-owners of the business collectively underpaid their taxes by roughly 0,000, in addition to the underpayment of nearly 0,000 in employment taxes.

Santucci’s attorney, Richard J. Fuschino Jr., noted that Santucci had already settled his personal tax obligations and emphasized his longstanding commitment to his profession and community. Fuschino portrayed Santucci as a diligent individual, although he acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses.

U.S. District Judge Karen S. Marston considered Santucci’s health issues, including two strokes in recent years, as well as his responsibilities as a grandfather, during the sentencing deliberation. In addition to the jail term and supervised release, she mandated that Santucci complete 300 hours of community service.

Despite the case, the Santucci family pizza establishments and their franchise operations remain unaffected and continue to serve their popular offerings throughout the region.