Crossville Man Charged With Tax Evasion

Nashville, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment of Francis Thierry, 73, of Crossville, Tenn., for tax evasion. Monday, Thierry surrendered to Cumberland County sheriff officials. Bond was set at $5,000.

On March 3, the Cumberland County Grand Jury indicted Thierry on one felony count of tax evasion for underpaying tax associated with his registration of a 2009 Leisure Craft boat.

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

If convicted, Thierry could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000.

The Department pursued this case in cooperation with District Attorney Randall York'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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