Fayetteville Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

NASHVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Serapio Granados pleading guilty to eight counts of tax fraud.

Granados, 49, pleaded guilty to charges related to sales tax evasion on Tuesday. Judge Forest Durard, Jr. accepted Granados’ guilty plea and placed him on 16 years of probation. Granados was ordered to pay restitution of $74, 539.91. Granados is the owner of Stonebridge Restaurant in Fayetteville.

“Most businesses in Tennessee remit the tax dollars they collect from customers,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “This guilty plea 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 field for all businesses.”

The Department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Robert Carter’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.