Chicago Bear, Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Accused of Failing to File Tax Returns

The following information was provided by the U.S. Attorney Office. It does not indicate a conviction.

A former professional football player for the Chicago Bears and a former Cook County sheriff’s deputy were charged separately in federal court for failing to file federal tax returns for four years, the U.S. States Attorney Office stated on Thursday.

Christopher Zorich, 43, of Chicago, was charged with four counts of failing to file federal income tax returns from 2006 to 2009, the U.S. States Attorney Office stated. Zorich played for the Bears from 1991 to 1996, according to the statement.

Stephen R. Pamon, 61, of Elk Grove Village, was charged with four counts of failing to file federal income tax returns from 2006 to 2009, the U.S. States Attorney Office stated, and he worked as a Cook County sheriff’s deputy.

Zorich earned $331,625 in 2006, $70,996 in 2007, $372,448 in 2008 and $242,298 in 2009, the U.S. States Attorney Office stated, but did not file federal income tax returns during those years. According to the statement, Zorich’s income came from the Chicago Bears, property rental charges to his nonprofit foundation, a law firm, the University of Notre Dame and personal appearance fees.

Pamon earned $102,657 in 2006, $87,474 in 2007, $59,082 in 2008 and $75,525 in 2009, the U.S. States Attorney Office stated, but did not file federal income tax returns during that period of time. In addition to working for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, according to the statement, Pamon’s income came from working at a private security company, and working as a referee at both collegiate and arena football games.

“Through his attorney, Zorich authorized the government to disclose that he is cooperating with the Internal Revenue Service and will plead guilty to the misdemeanor charges,” the U.S. States Attorney Office stated.

Failure to file a federal income tax return is a federal misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine on each count, the U.S. Attorney Office stated. A defendant convicted of tax offenses faces mandatory costs of prosecution and remains civilly liable to the government for all back taxes, and potential civil fraud penalty of up to 75 percent of the underpayment plus interest, according to the statement.

To read the statement and the complaint against Zorich filed with the courts, click on the documents posted with this story.

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