Michael Simes, a 50-year-old attorney from Newtown, pleaded guilty on Feb. 17 before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to charges related to failing to file tax returns and not paying more than $3.1 million in taxes, penalties, and interest owed.
The case highlights the consequences of failing to meet federal tax obligations, especially for individuals with significant income. According to court documents and statements made in court, Simes did not file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for the 2013 tax year and from 2016 through 2022, resulting in a tax loss of $1,876,307 on gross income exceeding $5.6 million.
For the years 2016 through 2020, Simes requested filing extensions until October but still failed to submit his returns or pay the taxes due. He also filed returns for the years 2012, 2014, and 2015 but paid only a portion of what he owed for those years, which led to additional penalties and interest.
Simes has agreed to pay restitution totaling $2,871,676 for the outstanding balance he owes. He pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to file a tax return and is scheduled for sentencing on June 8. He faces up to three years in prison and is currently released on a $40,000 bond while awaiting sentencing.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser is prosecuting the case.