Henderson County Resident Arrested on Sales Tax, Forgery, and Theft Charges

LEXINGTON - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Tamara James, 36.

On October 1, the Henderson County Grand Jury indicted James on one Class E felony tax charge for failing to remit sales tax over $1,000, one class E felony count of forgery for making false entries, and one class E felony count of theft of property. On Tuesday, Henderson County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested James at her home.

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

If convicted, James could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each charge. The Department is pursuing the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney General Jody Pickens 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, as well as the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2018 fiscal year, it collected $14.5 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.8 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.