Peter Thomas, a restaurateur and former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for failing to pay over $2.5 million in employment taxes.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell Sr. also mandated two years of supervised release and restitution. Thomas, 51, pleaded guilty to failing to pay trust fund taxes for his businesses, including Club One CLT, Bar One Miami Beach, and others. Between 2017 and 2023, he withheld over $1.7 million from employees’ paychecks but failed to remit it to the IRS. Federal prosecutors accused him of using the funds for personal enrichment, including over $250,000 on luxury purchases from Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley remarked, “They cannot steal other people’s money…to prop up their otherwise failing business ventures.”
Thomas’ attorney, C. Melissa Owen, sought a shorter sentence, emphasizing his remorse and community ties.
“He has used his social media platform to encourage others…to prioritize their obligations to the IRS,” she said.
Thomas warned fellow business owners in an Instagram video ahead of his sentencing.
“Pay your payroll before you pay your rent…you will go to jail for not paying your payroll taxes,” he pleaded.
Seven character letters vouched for Thomas, highlighting his role in supporting Black-owned businesses. Yet his past comments about Baltimore’s Black community and allegations of employee theft cast a shadow.
