Grimm sentenced to eight months in prison

Michael Grimm, the former Republican congressman from Staten Island, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison Friday.

Last December Grimm pleaded guilty to tax fraud for failing to report more than $1 million in wages and receipts for a Manhattan restaurant he owned called Healthalicious. Grimm invested in the restaurant after retiring from the FBI in 2006.


Evidence of Grimm’s tax evasion was originally discovered in the course of a separate investigation into the Republican congressman’s campaign finances. Ultimately federal prosecutors charged Grimm with 20 counts relating to the restaurant, but did not press charges relating to any campaign misconduct.

Grimm originally planned to fight the charges but ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of felony tax evasion.

Lawyers for Grimm argued that the Staten Island Republican should serve probation, calling his crimes “an aberration in an otherwise remarkable life in selfless service of his country” in court documents. In addition to his work with the FBI Grimm previously served in the Marine Corps.

Prosecutors countered that between 24 and 30 months in prison of a possible maximum sentence of three years would be appropriate.

Federal judge Pamela Chen had stern words for the former congressmen on Friday. “Mr. Grimm, your moral compass needs some reorientation,” she said, according to New York Daily News reporter John Marzulli.

In addition to the eight months in federal prison Grimm will also serve a year of supervised relief.

After winning reelection in November, Grimm resigned from office in January. In a special election in May of this year Republican Daniel Donovan was chosen as his replacement.