Shelby County Resident Charged with Tax Evasion

SHELBY COUNTY - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the arrest of Michael Keith Sharp (46) for tax evasion.

On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Sharp turned himself in to Revenue Special Agents and was booked into the Shelby County Jail on one charge of tax evasion relating to his false registration of a boat at the Shelby County Clerk’s Office.

“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 Richard H. Roberts. "This arrest underscores the department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

If convicted, Sharp could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for the felony charge of attempted tax evasion. The Department is pursuing the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney General Amy Weirich and her staff. 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, as well as the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2016 fiscal year, it collected $13.5 billion in state taxes and fees, and more than $2.6 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.

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