Unicoi County Business Owner Arrested on Sales Tax Evasion

Erwin, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Friday’s arrest of Sherry Mae Edwards, 50. Edwards is the owner of J.D.’s Market & Deli, located in Erwin, Tenn.

Special Agents of the Tennessee Department of Revenue arrested Edwards at her business. Bond was set at $10,000.

On November 10, the Unicoi County Grand Jury indicted Edwards on 17 Class E felony counts of sales tax evasion. The indictment charges that Edwards willfully attempted to evade $55,247.24 in sales tax due the state of Tennessee from May 2011 through September 2012.

"Tennessee's tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws," Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. "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."

If convicted, Edwards could be sentenced up to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each of the tax evasion counts.

Prosecution of this criminal case was pursued by the Department in cooperation with District Attorney General Tony Clark'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 about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2013 fiscal year, it collected $11.7 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.2 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the Department, visit www.TN.gov/revenue.

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