Gregory “Greg” Gumucio, founder of the once-popular donation-based yoga chain Yoga to the People, was sentenced to four years in federal prison in June 2025 for conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Gumucio earned nearly $3.5 million between 2012 and 2020 from his nationwide yoga business yet failed to file personal or business tax returns for eight consecutive years. While evading over $1 million in taxes, Gumucio maintained an extravagant lifestyle including frequent foreign travel, expensive hotels and meals, NFL season tickets, and country club memberships. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “Gregory Gumucio built a profitable yoga empire and lived well off its success—but he refused to pay his taxes.”
The Donation-Based Business That Became a Cash Operation
Gregory Gumucio founded Yoga to the People in Manhattan’s East Village in 2006, marketing it as an affordable donation-based studio where students paid what they could. The business expanded to approximately 20 locations across New York, California, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, and Washington, generating over $20 million in revenue between 2010 and 2020.
Gumucio served as founder, principal owner, and functional CEO, directing all business decisions. He operated alongside co-defendants Michael Anderson, who functioned as CFO, and Haven Soliman, who served as Chief Communications Officer and Director of Education for the teacher training program. The business closed in 2020, ostensibly due to COVID-19, though it also faced allegations of racism and workplace misconduct.
Prosecutors detailed how Gumucio and his co-conspirators systematically evaded taxes. Student donations were collected in tissue boxes passed around during classes. Teachers were forbidden from counting incoming cash. Studio managers were required to transport cash proceeds to Gumucio’s apartment on St. Marks Place in Manhattan, where money was counted during “stacking parties.” Teachers were paid in cash off the books. The business failed to maintain corporate headquarters or keep corporate books and records. Business accounts were used to pay personal expenses.
Between 2012 and 2020, Gumucio received more than $3.5 million in income and owed taxes exceeding $1 million, yet never filed a personal tax return or paid any income taxes. During this period, he repeatedly represented his annual income as six figures to banks, car financing companies, and real estate entities. In one instance, he submitted a fabricated tax return to a third party, which a co-defendant prepared at his request.
Despite owing over $1 million to the IRS, Gumucio spent lavishly. Court documents showed he spent nearly $270,000 with United Airlines, over $76,000 on hotels, approximately $40,000 on Denver Broncos season tickets, and tens of thousands on country club memberships and fine dining. Co-defendant Soliman, who was married to Gumucio, spent over $48,000 on horse-related expenses including shows, boarding, and equipment.
Gumucio, Anderson, and Soliman were arrested in August 2022 in Washington State. Each was charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and five counts of tax evasion, carrying a maximum of 30 years combined. Gumucio pleaded guilty in October 2024 before U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan to one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Under his plea agreement, he agreed to pay at least $2,560,300.93 in restitution.
Judge Cronan sentenced Gumucio on June 30, 2025, to 48 months in federal prison, three years supervised release, and $2.7 million in restitution to the IRS. Anderson and Soliman pleaded not guilty and were scheduled for trial in January 2025.
Timeline of Events
Gumucio founded Yoga to the People in Manhattan’s East Village in 2006, building it into a chain with 20 locations generating over $20 million. From 2012-2020, he earned nearly $3.5 million but filed no tax returns for eight consecutive years while spending lavishly on travel, hotels, NFL tickets, and country clubs. The business closed in July 2020 amid COVID-19 and workplace misconduct allegations.
Gumucio, along with co-defendants Michael Anderson and Haven Soliman, was arrested in August 2022 in Washington State on conspiracy and tax evasion charges. He pleaded guilty October 4, 2024, before Judge John P. Cronan in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 30, 2025, Judge Cronan sentenced him to 48 months prison, three years supervised release, and $2.7 million restitution.
Conclusion
Judge John P. Cronan sentenced Gumucio to 48 months in federal prison and ordered $2.7 million in restitution to the IRS. He agreed to pay at least $2,560,300.93 under his plea agreement. Co-defendants Anderson and Soliman faced trial in January 2025 after pleading not guilty.
This article is based on court records from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Department of Justice press releases, IRS Criminal Investigation statements, and reporting from multiple news organizations. Requests for comment were sent to Gregory Gumucio, Michael Anderson, Haven Soliman, and their attorneys. None responded to multiple requests for comment.
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