Peter Thomas, a former star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison on December 18 for failing to pay over $2.5 million in employment taxes. The 64-year-old entrepreneur, best known for his marriage to Cynthia Bailey, must also serve two years of supervised release and pay restitution.
Former Reality Star Peter Thomas Faces Legal Reckoning
Thomas pleaded guilty to failing to pay trust fund taxes between 2017 and 2023, a charge that stems from withholding taxes at his restaurants, including Bar One locations in Miami and Baltimore. Prosecutors argued that Thomas used the funds for personal luxuries, including $250,000 on high-end brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton.
“Thomas’s flagrant violation of federal payroll tax obligations unjustly enriched himself and deprived employees of critical benefits,” a sentencing memo stated.
The day before his sentencing, Thomas took to Instagram to acknowledge his guilt. “I’ll be facing the music for consistently withholding taxes for over 10 years,” he told followers. Reflecting on his 50th anniversary in the U.S., Thomas admitted he had hoped to resolve the matter through a payment plan.
“But it doesn’t work like that,” he warned. “To all young business owners, learn from my mistake. Pay your payroll taxes before your rent, because jail is no joke.”
Despite the prison term, Thomas expressed gratitude for the fairness of the court. “God blessed me with fair people,” he said in a video following the sentencing.
Thomas’s attorney, C. Melissa Owen, described him as remorseful and committed to using his experience to educate others. “He is a supportive father and loyal community member,” Owen wrote in a memo, highlighting Thomas’s efforts to encourage small business owners to prioritize tax obligations.
At least seven character letters were submitted on Thomas’s behalf. Nia Banks, a fellow entrepreneur, described him as “a source of inspiration for many in his community.”
However, Thomas’s actions have drawn criticism for their impact on employees and his businesses. Federal prosecutors emphasized that his misconduct was motivated by greed. “He defied the law, prioritizing expansion over his obligations,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley argued.