Columbia Business Owner Arrested for Tax Evasion

NASHVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Billy Raynor, who is the principal officer of Farmer’s Family Restaurant in Columbia. Revenue special agents arrested Raynor, 65, at his home today.  Bond was set at $25,000.

On March 21, 2019, the Maury County Grand Jury indicted Raynor on 12 Class E felony counts of filing false tax returns, one Class C felony count of theft over $10,000, and one Class E felony of tax evasion. The indictments allege Raynor caused falsified state sales tax returns.

“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, Raynor could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each Class E felony. He could also be sentenced to a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for the Class C felony.

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Brent Cooper’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, 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.