The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Shashank Patel for sales tax evasion. Special Agents arrested Patel, 29, at his business Wednesday.
On January 4, the Rutherford County Grand Jury indicted Patel on 23 Class E felony counts of sales tax evasion and one Class C felony count of theft between $10,000 and $60,000. The indictments charge Patel failed to remit state sales tax from sales at Super Discount Tobacco and Beer in Rutherford County.
“The Department of Revenue is committed to applying Tennessee’s tax laws and policies uniformly to all taxpayers to ensure a level playing field,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. “The Department cannot and will not allow people engaged in fraudulent tax activities to have a competitive advantage over honest business people.”
If convicted, Patel could face a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary. He could be fined up to $3,000 for each count of sales tax evasion and up to six years and $10,000 for theft of property.
The Department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Jennings Jones and his staff. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee’s revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).
