Clarksville Business Owner Arrested on Tax Evasion and Theft Charges

CLARKSVILLE - Department of Revenue special agents arrested the owner of a Clarksville convenience store Monday on multiple tax charges. The Department’s Special Investigations Section conducted the investigation that led to the arrest of Amer Salemeh Ibrahim, 45, at his store, ASR Tobacco and Beer. 

On October 2, the Montgomery County Grand Jury indicted Ibrahim on 14 Class E felony counts of filing false sales tax returns, and one Class E felony count of tax evasion. The indictments allege Ibrahim evaded taxes due by filing false sales tax returns.

“Most businesses in Tennessee remit the tax dollars they collect from customers,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said.  “This indictment should serve as a warning to those that believe they can get away with tax fraud.  Our Department remains committed to prosecuting tax evaders to ensure a level playing for all businesses.”

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

The Department pursued these criminal cases in cooperation with District Attorney General John Carney 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 2017 fiscal year, it collected $13.9 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.