Current:Home > ContactBill Romanowski, wife file for bankruptcy amid DOJ lawsuit over unpaid taxes -Stellar Wealth Sphere
Bill Romanowski, wife file for bankruptcy amid DOJ lawsuit over unpaid taxes
View
Date:2025-04-12 20:02:20
Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski and his wife Julie filed for bankruptcy Monday amid allegations that they owe the U.S. government millions in unpaid taxes, according to court records.
The bankruptcy filing came at a pivotal moment for the Romanowskis − less than 24 hours before a scheduled hearing Tuesday in the civil case that Department of Justice lawyers brought against the couple last summer. U.S. attorneys allege that the Romanowskis used a nutrition company they founded to skirt tax obligations and now owe more than $15.5 million in back taxes.
Under federal law, filing for bankruptcy will give the Romanowskis a temporary reprieve, triggering an automatic pause in the Department of Justice's efforts to collect on the alleged money owed.
The couple's attorney did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.
Romanowski, 58, spent parts of 16 seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and two other teams, developing a reputation as a fiery and polarizing linebacker. He won four Super Bowl rings and recorded more than 1,000 career tackles, but he was also frequently embroiled in controversy and later admitted that he used steroids during his playing career.
NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.
Department of Justice lawyers allege that in the years before and after his retirement, which came after the 2003 season, Romanowski and his wife failed to pay millions in income tax. In attempts to avoid reporting federal income and repaying those taxes, the couple then used money from Nutrition53, the nutritional supplement company they founded, to pay for personal expenses and those of their two children, government lawyers say.
According to court records, Bill and Julie Romanowski opened up bank accounts on behalf of Nutrition53 but then used money in those accounts to pay for everything from the rent for their 6,000-square-foot home in California to groceries, veterenarian expenses and "over 170 visits to nail salons, hair salons and day spas."
Nutrition53, which was also named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last fall. Department of Justice lawyers have since filed a motion for default judgment against the Romanowskis, asking a judge to immediately rule in the government's favor. A hearing on that motion was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on social media @Tom_Schad.
veryGood! (7333)
Related
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Study: Weather extremes are influencing illegal migration and return between the U.S. and Mexico
- Election overload? Here are some tips to quiet the noise on your social feeds
- 43 monkeys remain on the run from South Carolina lab. CEO says he hopes they’re having an adventure
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Man accused of illegally killing 15-point buck then entering it into Louisiana deer hunting contest
- Nigerian man arrested upon landing in Houston in alleged romance fraud that netted millions
- Man is charged in highway shootings around North Carolina’s capital city
- Sam Taylor
- Send in the clones: 2 black-footed ferret babies born to cloned mom for the first time
Ranking
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- NYPD searching for gunman who shot man in Upper West Side, fled into subway tunnels
- Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Step Out for Dinner in Rare Public Appearance
- Federal judge denies motion to recognize Michael Jordan’s NASCAR teams as a chartered organization
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Gold medalist Noah Lyles beats popular streamer IShowSpeed in 50m race
- Trapped with 54 horses for 4 days: Biltmore Estate staff fought to find water after Helene
- Does Florida keeping Billy Napier signal how college football will handle coaching changes?
Recommendation
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Nordstrom Rack Clear the Rack Sale Insane Deals: $18 Free People Jumpsuits, $7 Olaplex, $52 Uggs & More
Elwood Edwards, Voice of AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” Message, Dead at 74
Brother of Buffalo’s acting mayor dies in fall from tree stand while hunting
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
Republicans make gains in numerous state legislatures. But Democrats also notch a few wins
Gia Giudice Shares The Best Gen Z-Approved Holiday Gifts Starting at Just $5.29
Trump victory spurs worry among migrants abroad, but it’s not expected to halt migration