Fat Joe Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

The rapper is said to owe more than $700,000 in back taxes.

Fat Joe is the latest rapper to face charges for tax evasion. The 42-year-old has pleaded guilty to charges he failed to pay taxes on nearly $3 million in income over two years. Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Cartagena, entered pleas for two counts covering tax years 2007 and 2008. However, at his sentencing in April, the judge will consider the government's initial allegations -- that Fat Joe owed four years in back taxes totaling $718,038. The Miami Beach, Fla., resident entered his plea in federal court in New Jersey because many of the companies he earns money from are incorporated there.

Jeffrey Lichtman, Fat Joe’s lawyer, said the rapper had already taken necessary steps to resolve the issue and was hoping to pay back the taxes by his sentencing date in April. Fat Joe is not the first rapper to be charged for skipping out on their civic duties to pay Uncle Sam.  Lil Kim, Jermaine Dupri, and Master P are among those who have been caught in similar circumstances over the years. (Daily News)

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