SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The owner of a diner whose menu includes a "Dictator Obama" egg special that comes with a grossly inflated tax has admitted he defrauded the government of more than $23,000 in welfare benefits.

Michael P. Tassone, owner of the American Diner in suburban Liverpool, was sentenced May 5 to a one year conditional discharge after he pleaded guilty to offering a false instrument for filing, a misdemeanor.

Tassone paid $23,354 in restitution to the Onondaga County Department of Social Services as part of the disposition of the five-year-old case, Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Kasmarek said.

Tassone and his diner were featured in a Fox News story in March because of the unique menu it offers customers.

At the American Diner, you can order a "Dictator Obama/NYS Special (King Cuomo)" plate of eggs and toast for $3.59 plus tax. But the tax on it is $27.99, according to the menu.

Tassone's menu also includes "The Anti-Michelle Obama Don't Tell Me What To Eat Or Feed My Kids Burger."

Tassone's restaurant offers a decidedly Conservative brand of politics along with its breakfast and lunch platters.

The outside of Tassone's restaurant is decorated with "Repeal the SAFE Act" signs, referring to the tough gun control law that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pushed through, and "Don't Tread on Me" and American flags. Inside, the decor includes an Uncle Sam statue, Three Stooges photos, and a "Chia Obama" box depicting Obama as a chia plant.

Tassone's menu says "We encourage legal carry on premises" and "We encourage prayer/grace."

"Guys like me are a target. Because I speak the truth," Tassone told syracuse.com on March 9 while explaining his reluctance to be photographed or interviewed.

Tassone was not at his restaurant at 214 Oswego St. Thursday morning when a reporter visited seeking his comment. He did not respond to a message left with the diner staff.

As part of the resolution of the criminal case, the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office dismissed a more serious felony welfare fraud case against Tassone.

"It was Medicaid fraud. They had failed to disclose income on their application. As a result they obtained Medicaid benefits they weren't entitled to, from May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2011," Kasmarek said.

Tassone was arrested Oct. 25, 2011. The case took nearly five years to resolve because prosecutors gave Tassone time to pay restitution before deciding whether to present the case to a grand jury.

Tassone's wife, Michelle Tassone, also pleaded guilty to offering a false instrument for filing, a misdemeanor, and received the same sentence, Kasmarek said.

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