Shelby County Businessman Pleads Guilty to Theft and Tax Evasion

MEMPHIS -- The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Alex Crowder’s guilty plea to theft and tax evasion.

On Wednesday, July 2, Judge Lee V. Coffee accepted Crowder’s guilty plea to one felony count of theft of property over $60,000 and one felony count of tax evasion.  These charges stemmed from Crowder filing false sales tax returns for Mr. P’s Buffalo Wings, a restaurant he owns located on Hacks Cross.  Crowder was sentenced to eight years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution of $348,620.

“The taxes collected from customers are property of the state and local governments,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “Customers have a right to know that the tax they pay will be remitted to the state and used for public good.”

The Department of Revenue pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Steven Mulroy’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 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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