Bradley County Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

CLEVELAND - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to John Gibson’s guilty plea to tax evasion. 

This week, Judge Freiberg accepted Gibson’s plea to one felony count of tax evasion. Gibson was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay restitution to the state.

“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 level playing field and a fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.”

The department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Stephen Hatchett’s Office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee's revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hotline at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).

The Department of Revenue is responsible for administering state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws, and for collecting taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department collects around 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2025 fiscal year, it collected over $21 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $5 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue. 

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