Prison for tax evasion for Primo Hoagie franchiser

The owner of Primo Hoagie's franchising business will spend four months in prison for tax evasion, a Camden federal judge ruled Friday.

In a plea bargain designed in part to avoid prosecution of his wife and save his son's house, Nicholas Papanier Sr., 57, of Sewell, admitted that he avoided paying taxes totaling $189,656 in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Papanier, who also owned Nellie's Provisions in Gloucester City, often received cash payments from Primo Hoagie's franchisees when they bought salami, provolone, and other deli items from him.

Over three years, he made more than a million dollars, but paid taxes on only about half of it, according to court documents.

After Papanier gets out of prison, he must serve four months of house arrest, followed by 20 months of probation, the judge said.

U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman also ordered Papanier to forfeit $484,010 the federal government seized from his bank accounts as part of its investigation.

In banking that money in his personal accounts, Papanier made small deposits designed to avoid reporting requirements, the government said.

Papanier pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion March 22. His lawyer was Ronald Warren of Haddonfield. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Richardson and Jordan Anger prosecuted the case.