Reuben Sturman, Pornographer and Businessman
At one time the world’s biggest distributor of pornography, the late Sturman endured three decades of legal problems resulting from his shady business dealings. Not only was he subject to numerous raids during an era in which pornography wasn’t quite as mainstream as it is today, but he was also involved in numerous criminal activities, forging ties with the Gambino crime family. Not surprisingly, he failed to report $2.7 million in income from 1978 to 1982 — in 1979, he reported just $1,237 in taxable income — and accordingly was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1989.
When to Consult a Tax Professional
Dealing with tax challenges can be intricate and overwhelming, especially when