"Kernersville, North Carolina:
Business owner Brandon Michalak has been sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $956,028 to the IRS.
Michalak, who pleaded guilty in January, was part-owner of the metal recycling business Sarah's Recycling that specialized in the collection and bulk resale of used catalytic converters.
From 2014 to 2018, he omitted $11,022,953 in sales generated by his business. Each year, Michalak reported minimal taxable income and claimed the EITC even as he led a lavish lifestyle that included home and property purchases without financing, home renovations, pool installation, jewelry purchases in cash, and at least 20 vehicle purchases for himself and family members."