Rogersville, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to John Phillip Gardner pleading guilty today to two felony counts of tax evasion.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) today announced an initial $50 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds for the new Supplemental Employer Recovery Grant (SERG) program to provide additional relief to small businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new wave of funding includes specific support for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by disabled persons.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today announced a 5-day extension for eligible small businesses to apply for the Tennessee Business Relief Program (TBRP).

Knoxville, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Bradley James Hensley pleading guilty Monday to four counts of sales tax fraud. Hensley is the former president of the now dissolved Knoxville Auto Brokers, Inc.

Rogersville, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and Tuesday arrest of Jon Phillip Gardner. His bond is set at $5,000.

Lebanon, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Christopher DeStefanis. DeStefanis, 69, turned himself in yesterday at the Wilson County Jail in Lebanon. Bond was set at $2,500.

Businesses eligible for the Tennessee Business Relief Program have until September 25, 2020 – one month from now - to confirm their information with the Department of Revenue so they can receive up to $30,000 in no-cost funds from the state.

Dickson, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Meng Xu Wang, former owner of Nori restaurant, in Dickson. Revenue special agents arrested Wang, age 28, at his home yesterday. His bond was set at $30,000.

Gainesboro, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Johnny Stafford pleading guilty Monday to one felony count of theft. The theft charge for Stafford, age 26, is related to his underreporting the price of three vehicles and one boat at the Jackson County Clerk’s Office.

Benton, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Richard Tyler, Jr., former owner of Whitewater Grill in Ocoee, TN. The Polk County Sherriff’s Office arrested Tyler, 63, Monday evening, and his bond was set at $30,000. Special agents from the Tennessee Department of Revenue assisted the Sherriff’s Office.

Nashville, Tenn. - Mark your calendars. For 2020 only, the Tennessee General Assembly has approved two sales tax holiday weekends to help Tennesseans save money and support the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.