Former Bolivar Business Owner Arrested on Tax Evasion and Theft Charges
Friday, June 26, 2009 | 05:26am
BOLIVAR, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Special Investigations Section conducted the investigation that led to the June 24 arrest of Samir O. Issa., age 36. Issa is the former co-owner of N&S Market and Deli, Inc., located at 1505 W. Market Street in Bolivar.
“The majority of businesses pay appropriate taxes,” said Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr. “This case serves as a warning to others who think they can get away with tax fraud in Tennessee. We will continue to pursue criminal activity and prosecute tax evaders to maintain fairness in our tax structure for Tennesseans.”
Issa was charged with one count of Sales Tax Evasion in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440(g), a Class E felony, and one count of Theft of Property over $10,000 in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-14-103, a Class C Felony. The complaints allege Issa filed false and fraudulent sales tax returns with the Tennessee Department of Revenue with the intent to avoid paying $25,926.85 in sales tax due the state of Tennessee.
If convicted of the Class E felony, Issa could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000. The Class C felony carries a maximum sentence of six years and fine of $10,000. Once the criminal case concludes, additional civil taxes, penalties and interest will be due the state.
This case was pursued criminally by the department in cooperation with District Attorney General Mike Dunavant’s office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee's revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).
The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 92 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the department collected $11.2 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, $1.9 billion of local sales tax was collected by the department for local governments during the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Besides collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.
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