Former Memphis Convenience Store Owner Pleads Guilty to Sales Tax Evasion and Theft

MEMPHIS - Sonda Chatman, 45, former owner of Time Saver #3, pleaded guilty to sales tax evasion and theft in Shelby County Criminal Court today.

Shelby County Criminal Court Judge James Beasley, Jr. sentenced Chatman to three years supervised probation.  Chatman will also have to repay the state $18,465.22 in sales tax.

“This investigation will serve as a reminder that retailers are not entitled to use or keep sales tax monies,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. “When sales tax revenues are collected by a retailer they are at all times property of the state or local government and must be remitted to the state.”

The Department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Amy Weirich.  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 and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2014 fiscal year, it collected $11.8 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.3 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the Department, visit www.TN.gov/revenue.

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