WORCESTER – A local man pleaded guilty to fraud charges in federal court in Worcester on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Anthony Prizio, 48, of Blackstone, pleaded guilty to six counts of wire fraud, one count of tax evasion, and one count of unauthorized use of another’s identity.
From January 2019 to July 2021, Prizio managed the Worcester location of a national chain of second-hand retail stores. According to federal prosecutors, Prizio manipulated the store’s timekeeping and payroll systems to embezzle wages by falsifying work hours for current and former employees.
Prosecutors allege that Prizio then redirected funds to cover his personal expenses, including his home’s utility expenses, vehicle registration fees and veterinary services. He also allegedly caused payroll debit cards to be issued in others’ names, which he then took for himself, and entered false paid sick and bereavement for employees.
Prizio failed to pay taxes on any of the income derived from this fraudulent scheme, according to prosecutors.
U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman has set Prizio’s sentencing for May 23, 2024. He was indicted by a grand jury in December 2023.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross loss involved. The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of unlawful use of another’s identity as charge in this case provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
