Dickson County Business Manager Arrested for Sales Tax Evasion and Theft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Sandra L. Sanker, operator and manager of Sanker’s Country Market located in Dickson, Tenn., was arrested by agents of the Tennessee Department of Revenue on charges of sales tax evasion and theft.  The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and subsequent arrest of Sanker, age 47.

On Oct. 24, 2007, Sanker was indicted by a Dickson County Grand Jury on 15 Class E felony counts of Sales Tax Evasion in violation of Tenn. Code Annotated 67-1-1440(g) and one Class C felony count of Theft Over $10,000 in violation of Tenn. Code Annotated 39-14-103.  The indictments charge that Sanker failed to remit $46,081.58 of sales tax due the State of Tennessee during the period March 2004 through May 2005.

If convicted, Sanker could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined $3,000 for each Class E Felony count. She also faces a maximum sentence of six years in the state penitentiary and a fine up to $10,000 for the Class C Felony count. Additionally, civil taxes, penalties and interest will be due the state.

“The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, aggressively pursuing criminal sanctions and demanding accountability when taxpayers engage in fraudulent activity,” said Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr. “This investigation underscores our department’s ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee’s tax laws.”

This case was pursued criminally by the Department with the assistance of District Attorney General Dan M. Alsobrooks’ Office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee’s revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).