Henderson County Resident Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Sales Tax, Forgery, and Theft Charges

LEXINGTON, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Tamara James pleading guilty Monday to one count of failing to pay sales tax, one count of forgery, and one count of theft over $1,000.

Judge Kyle Atkins accepted James’ guilty plea and sentenced her to two years’ probation. He ordered her to complete 50 hours of community service.  James must also pay $1,474.75 in restitution to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

“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 plea underscores the Department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

The Department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney General Jody Pickens’ 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 2018 fiscal year, it collected $14.5 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.8 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.

To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.