Wayne County Resident Pleads Guilty to Attempted Tax Evasion and Forgery

WAYNESBORO -- John Brent Scott pleaded guilty to one count of attempted tax evasion and one count of attempted forgery in a Wayne County Criminal Court on Monday.  Judge J. Russell Parkes sentenced Scott to 11 months and 29 days of supervised probation.  Additionally, Scott was ordered to pay restitution of $504.64.

“The Department of Revenue strives to promote voluntary compliance of Tennessee’s tax laws by educating taxpayers and pursuing criminal sanctions for accountability of fraudulent actors,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “This guilty plea underscores the department’s efforts to ensure a fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.”

The department pursued 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, and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The department collects around 87 percent of total state revenue.  During the 2024 fiscal year, it collected nearly $22.2 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.

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