In a major legal development, Steven Saris, an Ohio resident, has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison. This sentence comes as a result of his involvement in a series of serious crimes, including tax fraud, money laundering, and operating illegal gambling businesses. Because of the severity of Steven Saris’s criminal activity and the attempts of law enforcement to prosecute him, the case against him has received a lot of attention.
Steven Saris’s Illegal Gambling Operations Exposed
Steven Saris operated a network of illicit gambling establishments throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida for more than ten years, from 2009 to 2022. His operations included several high-profile establishments such as Café 62, Lucky’s, Winner’s World, Spin City, and an additional business located in Springfield, Ohio. These venues were not just places for casual betting but were sophisticated enterprises designed to attract large numbers of gamblers.
Steven Saris’s approach to running these illegal businesses involved a series of deceptive tactics to conceal his involvement and the substantial profits generated from these activities. To keep his operations under the radar, he employed others to act as the official owners of his businesses. This method was intended to create a façade of legitimacy, making it harder for authorities to trace the operations back to him.
Additionally, Steven Saris took extreme measures to prevent any documentation of his criminal activities. He not only destroyed critical business records himself but also directed others to do the same. This destruction of evidence was a deliberate attempt to hinder investigations and prevent law enforcement from uncovering the full extent of his operations.
Tax Fraud and Financial Misconduct
Steven Saris’s financial misconduct was a significant aspect of his criminal activities. For the tax year 2015, he filed a fraudulent tax return that failed to report over $1.4 million in income derived from his illegal gambling ventures. This omission was not a one-time mistake but part of a larger pattern of tax evasion.
For the years between 2016 and 2021, Steven Saris did not file any tax returns at all. His gaming operations brought in about $9 million in revenue during this time. Despite his considerable earnings, he made only two minor payments to the IRS in 2018 when he filed for an extension on his 2017 tax return. These payments were far from adequate to cover his tax obligations.
Steven Saris’s financial misconduct extended beyond tax evasion. He used the proceeds from his gambling enterprises to indulge in high-stakes gambling at legal casinos. Additionally, he invested in acquiring and renovating residential properties in Canton, Ohio. These actions demonstrated not only his disregard for legal and financial responsibilities but also his attempts to flaunt his wealth derived from illegal activities.
The total tax loss resulting from Steven Saris’s fraudulent activities was calculated at $2,823,391. This substantial amount highlights the severe financial impact of his crimes on the government and underscores the seriousness of his offenses.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into Steven Saris’s criminal activities was extensive and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. In July 2018, authorities executed search warrants at several locations associated with his illegal gambling businesses. Despite these initial efforts to curtail his activities, Steven Saris continued to operate his businesses and misled investigators about his ongoing operations.
In August 2022, law enforcement conducted another search at Steven Saris’s residence and seized his cell phone as part of the investigation. In an attempt to obstruct justice, Steven Saris falsely claimed that he did not know where his cell phone was located. However, authorities later discovered the phone hidden in a water tank at his home, revealing his attempts to evade the investigation.
As part of his sentencing, Steven Saris was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Additionally, he was required to pay full restitution of $2,823,391 to the U.S. government. This restitution is intended to compensate for the financial damage caused by his extensive tax fraud and illegal gambling activities.
A cooperative group of organizations, including the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the IRS Criminal Investigation division, the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, looked into the case against Steven Saris. The Tax Division of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio oversaw the prosecution.
The sentencing of Steven Saris serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal consequences associated with illegal gambling and tax evasion. It underscores the diligent efforts of law enforcement to combat financial crimes and maintain the integrity of the financial and legal systems. The case highlights the importance of rigorous enforcement and the need for transparency in all financial dealings.
