Knox County Businessman Arrested for Tax Evasion and Theft

KNOXVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Bradley James Hensley, president of Knoxville Auto Brokers, for tax evasion and theft. Revenue special agents arrested Hensley, 36, at his residence Thursday. Bond was set at $50,000.

On July 24, 2018, the Knox County Grand Jury indicted Hensley on 12 Class E felony counts of sales tax fraud and one Class C felony count of theft of property over $10,000.

If convicted, Hensley could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of tax evasion. He could also be sentenced to a maximum six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for the theft charge.

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

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Charme Allen’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, 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 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.

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