Investigations into a local business owner have led to his indictment on tax charges.
The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted an investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Shawn Lamar Davis, owner of Big Shakes Hot Chicken & Fish, for falsification of a tax return, sales tax evasion and theft.
Department of Revenue special agents arrested Davis, 46, at Big Shake’s Hot Chicken & Fish last week. On Nov. 7, the Williamson County Grand Jury indicted him on 17 Class E felony counts of falsification of tax returns, one Class C felony count of theft of property over $10,000 and one Class E felony count of tax evasion.
The indictments say Davis failed to remit sales tax due for Big Shake’s Hot Chicken & Fish, located at 1409 W. Main Street in Franklin. Bond was set at $10,000.
“Tennessee’s tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. “Taxpayers, who collect but intentionally do not remit sales tax, breach the public’s trust and violate the criminal laws of the state. This cause underscores our commitment to rigorous and fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.”
If convicted, Davis could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of falsification of tax returns. He could be sentenced to a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for theft of property.
He could also be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for the count of tax evasion. The Department pursued the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney General Kim Helper and her 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 2016 fiscal year, it collected $13.5 billion in state taxes and fees, and more than $2.6 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.
To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue. See more at here.
