A Memphis business owner recently entered a guilty plea on charges of sales tax fraud. Janis Melissa Anderson, the proprietor of A&J Catfish Station, was investigated by the Tennessee Department of Revenue's Special Investigations Section, which culminated in her plea. The establishment in question resides at 5950 Knight Arnold Road Extended.
According to a statement from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett has ordered Anderson to make restitution in the amount of $32,213.49. Further to this, she will to serve one year of probation. The department emphasized the importance of compliance with the state's tax laws and noted that criminal sanctions are used to hold fraudulent parties accountable.
David Gerregano, the Revenue Commissioner, was quoted stating, “The Department of Revenue strives to promote voluntary compliance of Tennessee’s tax laws by educating taxpayers and pursuing criminal sanctions for accountability of fraudulent actors," and added, "This guilty plea underscores the department’s efforts to ensure fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.” The Department of Revenue's pursuit of such cases is in alignment with their overall mandate, which extends beyond collection of taxes.
Cooperation between the Department of Revenue and District Attorney Steven Mulroy’s Office was instrumental in bringing this case to a close. Citizens with information on tax law violations are encouraged to reach out anonymously to the tax fraud hotline. The Department of Revenue plays a vital role in the state's financial health, having collected approximately $22.2 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.7 billion for local governments in the fiscal year of 2024.
