Bledsoe County Bussinesswoman Pleads To Tax Evasion

PIKEVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Sybil Marjean Stanley entering a “best interest plea” to tax evasion, a class E felony.

Judge Curtis Smith accepted Stanley’s “best interest plea” to one count of tax evasion on Wednesday. She was placed on one year of probation and granted judicial diversion. Stanley is the co-owner of Duke’s Country Store located in Pikeville. A Bledsoe County grand jury previously indicted Stanley on multiple counts of tax evasion.

“Our state’s tax structure depends on voluntary taxpayer compliance to remit money collected from customers,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “Taxpayers who fail to remit collected taxes violate the public trust and the criminal laws of Tennessee. This conviction highlights our rigorous and impartial administration of the state’s tax laws.”

The Department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor’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 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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