Smithville resident arrested for tax evasion,theft, and perjury

On July 24, the DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Tramel on seven felony counts of tax evasion, seven felony counts of aggravated perjury, and one felony count of theft over $2,500 but less than $10,000. The indictment alleges Tramel evaded tax due to the Tennessee Department of Revenue by fraudulently registering two vehicles and five boats with the DeKalb County Clerk's office.

"The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, aggressively pursuing criminal sanctions and demanding accountability when taxpayers engage in fraudulent activity," said Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano. "This indictment underscores the Department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

If convicted, Tramel could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of tax evasion. Tramel could be sentenced to a maximum of four years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $5,000 for each count of aggravated perjury and theft.

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Bryant C. Dunaway'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 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.