Greek American New Hampshire lawmaker charged with tax evasion

The state attorney general's office announced that Rep. Thomas Katsiantonis, 44, of Manchester, was arrested and charged with four counts of tax evasion, two counts of theft, and one count each of falsifying physical evidence unsworn falsification.

Katsiantonis, a Democrat, is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth in monthly meals and rentals tax payments from two businesses he owned, Grand Slam Pizza and Tommy K's Restaurant and Bar. The AG's office also says Katsiantonis tried to evade business profit taxes, including those he owned during an audit of Grand Slam Pizza, and making false statements on behalf of Tommy K's liquor license renewal application.

Officials say Katsiantonis could face up to 15 years in state prison on the theft charges, and up to seven years on the other felony charges.

He'll be arraigned on June 15. It's unclear if he has an attorney.

In a statement, New Hampshire House Speaker Shawn Jasper said while Katsiantonis is due his day in court to face the charges, "It is unfortunate that incidents such as these cast a shadow on the institution and the good things the [sic] our members have accomplished this session."

Katsiantonis is brother to Giorgos Katsiantonis, a Greek parliamentarian with the Enosis Kentroon (Center Union) party led by Vasilis Leventis