Stamford Man Sentenced for Filing False Returns, Embezzling $700,000

A Stamford man convicted of filing false tax returns was sentenced to a one-and-a-half years in federal prison and a year of supervised release Friday, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Friday.

Eugene Ceriello, 48, was accused of embezzling more than $700,000 from Greenwich Automotive Services, where he was the manager for over 10 years, according to authorities. 

Ceriello, as the manager of the Greenwich business, had complete control over the day-to-day operations and would regularly take cash generated from vehicle repair, gasoline and retail sales, and then access the business' computer system to alter records, authorities said.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said, as an example, Ceriello deposited approximately $191,000 in cash into his bank account in 2008, but reported only $52,580 in income on his federal tax return.

Ceriello was additionally fined $295,841.92 in back taxes, penalties and interest.