Rapper 'Fat Joe' Sentenced in NJ for Tax Case

Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 1 MIN.

Rapper "Fat Joe" has been sentenced to four months in prison after admitting he failed to file federal income taxes.

The platinum-selling artist, whose real name is Joseph Cartagena (car-ta-GEE'-nah), apologized to his family and supporters before being sentenced Monday in federal court in Newark.

He pleaded guilty in December 2012 to failing to pay taxes on more than $1 million of income in 2007 and in 2008.

U.S. Magistrate Cathy Waldor said she took into consideration the government's allegation that Cartagena failed to taxes on some $3 million in income for years 2007 through 2010, an estimated tax loss to the government of $718,038.

The Miami Beach resident was prosecuted in New Jersey because some of the companies he earns money from are incorporated in Somerville.


by Kilian Melloy , EDGE Staff Reporter

Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.

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