Nashville Resident Arrested for Tax Evasion and Theft

NASHVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of John Peyton, Jr., for four counts of tax evasion and one count of theft.  Revenue special agents arrested Peyton, 57, Thursday at his home. Bond was set at $25,000.

On December 4, the Rutherford County Grand Jury indicted Peyton on four felony counts of tax evasion and one felony count of theft over $10,000. The indictment alleges Peyton evaded tax due to the state by fraudulently registering two houseboats and claiming false trade-ins.

“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 David Gerregano said. "This indictment underscores the Department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

If convicted, Peyton could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for the each count of tax evasion. Peyton could be sentenced to a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for each count of theft.

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Jennings H. Jones’ 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, 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 2017 fiscal year, it collected $13.9 billion in state taxes and fees, and more than $2.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.