A Knoxville local, Douglas Patrick Joseph Healy, has been indicted for allegedly skirting Tennessee's use tax, authorities reported this week. According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue's announcement, the Special Investigations Section carried out the inquiry that culminated in Healy's indictment. He was booked into Knox County Jail on May 30 following his indictment by the county grand jury six days prior on two counts of use tax evasion.
Investigators claim Healy, 60, submitted false and fraudulent documents to the Knox County Clerk’s Office related to the registration of two vehicles. Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano underscored the department's commitment to tax law fairness stating, "We can never allow individuals engaged in fraudulent tax activity to have a competitive advantage over honest Tennesseans." The department plays a key part in the collection of state revenues, accumulating approximately 87 percent of the state's total revenue. In the 2023 fiscal year, it raked in nearly $22 billion in state taxes and fees.
If found guilty of the tax evasion charges, Healy could face up to two years in the state penitentiary and fines reaching $3,000 for each count. The case is being prosecuted with support from District Attorney Charme Allen's office. The department encourages individuals who suspect possible violations of Tennessee revenue laws to dial their toll-free tax fraud hotline.
.jpg){kind=link}