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Peter Thomas, the ex-husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for failing to pay taxes on multiple nightclubs he owns in Charlotte, Miami, and Baltimore. The IRS claims that between 2017 and 2023, Thomas collected over $1.7 million in trust fund taxes from employees’ wages but never turned it over to the government, leading to serious financial repercussions.
Peter Thomas’ actions led to a shocking amount of misappropriated funds, including more than $2.5 million in cash withdrawals. Court documents revealed that he spent the money on a lavish lifestyle, with over $370,000 allocated for travel, real estate purchases, and high-end shopping at luxury stores like Neiman Marcus, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy. These lavish purchases starkly contrasted with his legal obligations, contributing to his eventual conviction.
The Department of Justice report also highlighted that Peter Thomas transferred over $2.9 million between his businesses in Charlotte, Bar One Miami Beach, and Bar One Baltimore. Despite collecting funds meant for the IRS, Thomas used the money for personal and business expenditures, which ultimately led to his legal downfall.
In July, Thomas took a plea deal, admitting his wrongdoing. On Thursday, a federal judge in North Carolina sentenced him to 18 months in prison, with the added requirement of paying $2,526,131.99 in restitution. Upon his release, he will also face two years of supervised release.
After the sentencing, Thomas addressed his actions on social media, publicly apologizing for his mistakes and vowing to take responsibility for his actions. “I’ve done some wrong that I have to make right. I have to stand up, I have to be accountable, I have to be responsible, and I have to pay my debt,” he stated, acknowledging the consequences of his decisions.
This sentencing is not the first time Thomas has faced legal challenges. Back in 2019, he was arrested for writing fraudulent checks, a situation his attorney called an “unfortunate misunderstanding.” The previous year, an assault charge against him was dismissed, showing that legal troubles have followed him for some time.
Now, with the Bureau of Prisons set to determine which facility Thomas will report to, the former businessman must face the consequences of his financial misdeeds. His time in prison and the restitution owed to the IRS highlight the severity of tax fraud and its impact on both his business empire and personal life.
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