Sumner County Resident Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

GALLATIN - James Shipman pleaded guilty to four counts of tax evasion in a Sumner County Criminal Court Monday.

 Judge Jennifer Nichols ordered Shipman to pay restitution to the state and placed him on three years’ probation. Shipman violated Tennessee law by submitting false documents to the Sumner County Clerk’s Office when he registered his boat. In doing so, he failed to pay $832.42 in use tax.

“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 fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.”

The department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Ray Whitley’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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