Shelby County Man Arrested on Sales Tax Fraud and Theft Charges

Memphis, Tenn. – The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and subsequent arrest of Ali Bogoreh, age 40, of Bartlett, Tennessee. On May 3, 2011, Bogoreh, owner of McLemore Market located at 1503 McLemore in Memphis, Tennessee, was arrested by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.  Bond was set at $20,000.

On April 26, 2011, Bogoreh was indicted by a Shelby County Grand Jury on 20 counts of Sales Tax Fraud in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440(g), a Class E felony, and one count of Theft of Property Over $10,000 in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-14-103, a Class C felony. If convicted, Bogoreh could be sentenced up to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined $3,000 for each of the sales tax fraud charges and a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined $10,000 on the theft of property charge.

 

“The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, aggressively pursuing criminal sanctions and demanding accountability when taxpayers engage in fraudulent activity," said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. "This indictment underscores the department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

 

Prosecution of this criminal case was pursued by the department in cooperation with District Attorney General Amy P. Weirich. Commissioner Roberts expressed his appreciation for the excellent cooperation the department has enjoyed with General Weirich. 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, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $1.9 billion. 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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