Associated press reports: U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm admitted Tuesday to federal tax evasion, pleading guilty to charges he had fought as he won re-election last fall but that now leave his congressional future in question.
Grimm entered a guilty plea to one count of aiding in the filing of a false tax return. He had been set to go to trial in February on charges of evading taxes by hiding more than $1 million in sales and wages while running a Manhattan health-food restaurant.
Grimm acknowledged sending his accountant underreported receipts and using the leftover money to pay employees off the books and cover other expenses.
Sentencing was scheduled for June 8. Prosecutors said a range of 24 to 30 months in prison would be appropriate, while the defense estimated the appropriate sentence as between 12 and 18 months.
News of the planned plea quickly brought pressure from Democrats for Grimm to resign his seat.
