BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Rep. Michael Grimm pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon in Brooklyn Federal Court to a count of felony tax fraud.

Wearing a dark blue suit, the Republican congressman entered a guilty plea to a single count of willfully filing a fraudulent tax claim in connection with the government's 20-count indictment against him.

He made the plea before Judge Pamela K. Chen shortly after 1:30 p.m.

"What is your plea to count four of the indictment, guilty or not guilty," the judge asked.

"Guilty," Grimm replied.

"While operating a restaurant we underestimated the gross receipts, used some of that money to pay employees off the books, as well as to pay other expenses of the restaurant," Grimm said.

They then based their tax returns on that under-reporting, he said.

As the Advance reported on Monday, his status in Congress and whether or not he resigns was not part of the plea deal.

He could face a maximum prison sentence is three years, followed by a year of supervised release.

He's scheduled to be sentenced June 8 at 10:30 a.m.

Grimm was charged in a 20-count federal indictment in April.

He was accused of hiding more than $1 million in sales and wages at a Manhattan restaurant, and of hiring undocumented immigrants.

Grimm was surrounded by lawyers and an aide as he entered the courthouse shortly after 1 p.m. He was rushed by media members but did not comment.

He was expected to deliver a brief statement outside of court after entering his plea.