Santucci’s Pizza owner sentenced after $1.4M tax-evasion scheme

Frank Santucci Sr., long a leader of the Santucci’s Original Square Pizza family of restaurants, was sentenced January 12, 2026 to one day in jail, 18 months of supervised release and 300 hours of community service after pleading guilty to tax-evasion and related charges. Federal prosecutors described a bookkeeping scheme in which two sets of books and concealed cash receipts produced nearly $1.4 million in understated taxes across personal, co-owner and employment-tax liabilities for the multi-location pizzeria operation.

The case centered on concealed cash receipts and parallel records that hid income from tax authorities, prosecutors said. That pattern reduced reported liabilities for payroll-related taxes and for personal and partnership tax responsibilities, triggering the federal prosecution. The court imposed a modest custodial sentence alongside supervised release and community service, and the record shows the defendant has engaged in repayment activity tied to the restitution and tax obligations.

Santucci’s restaurants remain open as the legal penalty was finalized, and the company continues day-to-day operations under current management arrangements. Still, the conviction exposes risks that ripple through the workforce even when workers are not personally implicated. Employment-tax liabilities that are not paid can lead to audits, sudden payroll adjustments, additional withholding to cover past shortfalls, or liens against business assets that can constrain cash flow and affect hours or staffing decisions.

For hourly crew and managers, practical concerns include ensuring correct tax withholding on pay stubs, validating year-end wage statements, and watching for changes to payroll timing or benefits funding. Former and current employees should review W-2s and pay records and retain copies of pay stubs in case questions arise. Employers facing tax enforcement often tighten operations and delay discretionary spending, which can slow raises, cut back on overtime, or complicate scheduling.

The case also carries reputational consequences. Local businesses that rely on repeat customers and steady community goodwill can feel the pressure of negative headlines, which in turn affects tipping, customer volume and morale among front-line staff. Franchisees or co-owners connected to a multi-location brand can be drawn into compliance reviews or forced to renegotiate vendor and landlord terms if taxes or liens create financial strain.

The takeaway? Keep an eye on your pay and tax paperwork, ask for clarification from payroll or HR if numbers don’t add up, and consider consulting a tax professional if you suspect withholding errors. Our two cents? A small slice of diligence now — checking paystubs, saving W-2s, and asking questions — can protect your wallet and your job if ownership runs into trouble.