Shelby County Business Owner Arrested For Tax Evasion

MEMPHIS - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the Oct. 24 arrest of Jamil A. Alabdi of Millington, Tenn., age 39, in Shelby County. Alabdi, the owner of Bull Market #1, located in Millington, Tenn., Bull Market #9, located in Covington, Tenn., and Bull Market #12, located in Munford, Tenn., was arrested by deputies of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

 

On May 27, 2010, Alabdi was indicted by a Shelby County Grand Jury on one Class E felony count of Tax Evasion in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440(g) and one Class C felony count of Theft of Property in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-14-103. The indictment charges that from June 2002 through Dec. 2002, Alabdi willfully attempted to evade or defeat sales tax due the State of Tennessee in the amount of $14,422.58.

 

If convicted, Alabdi could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for the one count of tax evasion and a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for the one count of theft of property.

 

“Tennessee’s tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws,” said Revenue Commissioner Charles Trost. “Taxpayers who collect but intentionally do not remit sales tax, breach the public’s trust and violate the criminal laws of the State. This case underscores our commitment to rigorous and fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.”

 

Prosecution of this criminal case was pursued by the department in cooperation with District Attorney General William L. Gibbons’ office. Commissioner Trost expressed his appreciation for the excellent cooperation the department has enjoyed with General Gibbons. 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 established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the department collected $10.1 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, $1.9 billion of local sales tax was collected by the department for local governments during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.

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