Michelle Ann Gilson, 38, of Guilford in New Haven County, was sentenced this week to 19 months in prison followed by three years of probation, and she must pay the IRS more than $1.4 million in restitution, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.
Gilson co-owned and co-operated B&M Package Solutions, Inc. and formerly owned and operated Epic Empirez, Inc., where she handled the companies' books, payroll, and invoices. It was her job to collect and pay the companies' and employees' FICA, Medicare, and Social Security taxes.
Federal authorities said that from 2017 through 2022, Gilson did not make those payments, and instead spent that money on personal expenses like $600,000 toward her mortgage and home improvements and $140,000 in trips to casino resorts.
Gilson pleaded guilty to willful failure to pay over withholding taxes in July, officials said. She is out on bond but must report to prison on Dec. 4.
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