Baxter Man Charged With Tax Evasion, Forgery and Perjury

NASHVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the arrest of Derrick Bush, 35, of Baxter, Tenn., for tax evasion, forgery and perjury.  Bush surrendered to Revenue Special Agents and officers from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday.  Bond was set at $5,000.

Tuesday, the Putnam County Grand Jury indicted Bush on one count each of tax evasion, forgery, and perjury related to his March 2012 registration of a 2006 MasterCraft boat.

 “The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, aggressively pursuing criminal sanctions and demanding accountability when taxpayers engage in fraudulent activity," Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. "This investigation underscores the Department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

If convicted, Bush could be sentenced to a maximum of four years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $5,000 for forgery.  Bush could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for tax evasion.

The Department pursued this case in cooperation with District Attorney Bryant Dunaway’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 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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