Former Cocke County Business Owners Arrested for Tax Evasion and Theft

NEWPORT - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Gary and Geraldine Ridens, the former owners of Brandywine Creek Steakhouse, for tax evasion, money laundering, conspiracy, and theft.  With assistance from the Cocke County Sherriff’s Office, Revenue special agents arrested the Ridens at their residence Thursday.  Bond was set at $100,000 each.

On October 16, 2019, the Cocke County Grand Jury indicted the Ridens on one count each of conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, conspiracy to commit theft over $10,000, theft over $10,000, and three counts each of conspiracy to commit sales tax fraud, sales tax fraud, conspiracy to evade sales tax, and evading sales tax.

“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 James Dunn’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 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.

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