Knox County Businesswoman Surrenders on Sales Tax Evasion Charges

KNOXVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Amy Louise Shaver for sales tax evasion and theft.  Shaver, 50, surrendered today to Revenue Special Agents at the Knox County Sheriff’s Department Detention Facility.

On November 3, the Knox County Grand Jury indicted Shaver on 24 Class E felony counts of sales tax evasion and one Class C felony count of theft of property over $10,000.  The indictments charge that from January 2011 through January 2013, excluding November 2012, Shaver failed to remit $26,626.26 in sales tax from sales at Aries Technology Group, LLC.  Bond was set at $10,000.

“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, Shaver could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of attempted sales tax evasion. She could be sentenced to a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for theft of property.

The Department pursued the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney General Charme Allen and her staff. 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 2015 fiscal year, it collected $12.6 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.4 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.

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