Sevier County Resident Arrested for Tax Evasion

SEVIERVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Wyatt Wrege Bunch for tax evasion.  Revenue special agents arrested Bunch, 37, at Jayell Ranch on 1131 Jayell Road, in Sevierville. Bond was set at $5,000.

On March 4, 2019, the Sevier County Grand Jury indicted Bunch on two Class E felony counts of tax evasion. The indictments allege Bunch failed to remit use tax due on the purchase of two aircraft, a 1953 Beechcraft Bonanza and a 1979 Piper PA-32-300, as required by law.

“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."

If convicted, Bunch could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each Class E felony.

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Jimmy 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.