New York City Council Member Chaim Deutsch has pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return.

Prosecutors say the charge was in connection to outside income Deutsch received from his real estate management corporation.

 “New York City Council Member Chaim Deutsch admitted today that he defrauded the IRS in connection with his real estate business," U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a release. "As an elected official and community leader, Deutsch had a particular responsibility to follow the law.  Instead, over a multi-year period, Deutsch concealed his true business income to avoid paying his fair share of taxes.  My Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold our elected officials accountable when they break the law for their own financial benefit.”   

Deutsch pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and agreed to pay $82,076 in restitution, plus interest. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 29. The charge carries a maximum of one year in prison.

Henry Mazurek, the attorney representing Deutsch, released a statement that said, "Today, my client pled guilty to a one-count misdemeanor tax offense of making false statements on a tax return. He accepts responsibility for his actions and intends to fully repay the $82,000 in taxes he owes. Mr. Deutsch's dedication to public service will not be diminished, and he looks forward to completing his elected term."