Former Decatur county business owner indicted for sales tax evasion and theft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to criminal charges being filed against Virginia L. Volner, former owner of Scooter’s Dairy Bar and Restaurant located in Scotts Hill, Tenn.  These acts are alleged to have occurred from Jan. 2004 through Aug. 2004 and Oct. 2004 through Nov. 2004 resulting in Volner’s collection and failure to remit $48,336.11 of sales tax to the Department of Revenue.  On Sept. 18, 2007, Virginia L. Volner, age 69, was indicted by a Decatur County Grand Jury for nine 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.

If convicted, Volner could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and a fine up to $3,000 for each Class E Felony count.  She also faces a maximum sentence of six years in the state penitentiary and fined $10,000 for the Class C Felony count.  Additionally, civil taxes, penalties and interest will be due the state. Volner is currently incarcerated in the Madison County Jail in Jackson, Tenn. on unrelated charges.

“The Department of Revenue is committed to applying Tennessee’s tax laws and policies uniformly to all taxpayers to ensure a level playing field,” said Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr. “The department cannot and will not allow people engaged in fraudulent tax activities to have a competitive advantage over honest businesspeople.”

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