NEWARK, N.J. — A former star of the MTV reality show “Jersey Shore” and his brother filed bogus returns on nearly $9 million and claimed millions in bogus business expenses including luxury vehicles and clothing, according to a seven-count indictment released Wednesday.

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and his brother Marc pleaded not guilty through their attorneys during a brief initial appearance in U.S. District Court. Neither made any statements during or after the proceeding, though when Mike Sorrentino was asked outside the courthouse if he was innocent he smiled and replied, “Of course.”

Each brother was released on $250,000 bail and scheduled for arraignment Oct. 6.

According to the indictment, the Sorrentinos earned about $8.9 million between 2010 and 2012, mostly through two companies they controlled, MPS Entertainment and Situation Nation. They allegedly filed false documents that understated the income from the businesses as well as their personal income. Mike Sorrentino also is charged with failing to file taxes for 2011, when he earned $2 million.

The brothers also allegedly spent millions on personal expenses they claimed were for business. Both are charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S.

Marc Sorrentino faces three counts of filing false returns. Mike Sorrentino is charged with two counts, and one count of failing to file taxes.