Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino, brother plead not guilty in tax fraud case

NEWARK (WABC) -- One of the stars of MTV's "The Jersey Shore" was back in court Thursday to be arraigned on tax fraud charges.

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino appeared in federal court in Newark alongside his brother, who are accused of filing false business and personal tax returns on nearly $9 million in earnings.

They both pleaded not guilty and will remain free on $250,000 bail each. The trial date was set for December 2.

Michael and Marc Sorrentino are each charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing false tax returns for 2010 through 2012. Michael Sorrentino faces an additional count for allegedly failing to file a tax return for 2011.

They each face a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

"According to the indictment, Michael and Marc Sorrentino filed false tax returns that incorrectly reported millions made from promotions and appearances," U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. "The brothers allegedly also claimed costly clothes and cars as business expenses and funneled company money into personal accounts. The law is absolutely clear: telling the truth to the IRS is not optional."

Marc Sorrentino is his brother's manager.

The judge set strict bail terms requiring the brothers stay away from alcohol, surrender their passports and submit to random drug testing.