Loudon County Couple Arrested On Tax Evasion

LOUDON - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Michael Dale Russell and Christy Michelle Russell for tax evasion.

       On April 11, the Loudon County Grand Jury indicted Michael Russell, 44, and Christy Russell, 38, on one count of tax evasion relating to their false registration of vehicles and a boat at the Loudon County Clerk’s Office. Bond was set for each at $2,000.

       “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 arrest underscores the Department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

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

       The Department is pursuing the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney General Russell Johnson and his 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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