Former Sullivan County Businessman Charged with Tax Evasion

BLOUNTVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and today’s arrest of Robert Joseph Ranuro for tax evasion. Ranuro, 55, surrendered to Department of Revenue special agents at the Sullivan County Detention Center. Bond was set at $7,500.

On July 11, the Sullivan County Grand Jury indicted Ranuro on 32 counts of sales tax evasion and 24 counts of liquor by the drink tax evasion. The indictments allege Ranuro, former managing member of Biggies TN, LLC, evaded taxes due the state totaling $191,490.33.

“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, Ranuro could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count.

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Barry Staubus’ 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.

###