Former Owner of Memphis Bar & Grill Pleads Guilty to Sales Tax Fraud and Theft

Memphis, Tenn. – The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the May 20, 2011, guilty plea of Anthony Campbell, age 46. Campbell was the owner of Tony’s Bar & Grill #2, located at 3101 S. Mendenhall Rd. in Memphis, Tennessee. Campbell was sentenced by Judge Otis Higgs on May 27, 2011.  

Campbell pled guilty to one count of Sales Tax Fraud in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440, 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. Campbell was sentenced to two years for the tax charge and five years for the theft charge, to run concurrently. The sentence was suspended when Judge Higgs granted Campbell’s request for diversion. Campbell was placed on five years of probation and was ordered to pay full restitution to the Tennessee Department of Revenue in the amount of $15,860.19.

 

“Tennessee’s tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws,” said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts.  “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 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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