Gina Watson, a resident of Kentucky, has pled guilty to tax evasion charges following an investigation by the Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue. The charges stem from the fraudulent registration of two houseboats. On Monday, Judge Wesley Bray accepted Watson’s guilty plea and sentenced her to one year probation. Watson was also ordered to pay restitution amounting to $4,095.
“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,” stated Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano. “This guilty plea underscores the department’s efforts to ensure fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.”
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The case was pursued in cooperation with District Attorney Bryant Dunaway’s Office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee’s revenue laws are encouraged to contact the toll-free tax fraud hotline at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).
The Tennessee Department of Revenue is charged with the administration of state tax laws, motor vehicle title and registration laws, and the collection of associated taxes and fees. The Department collects approximately 87 percent of the state’s total revenue. For the 2023 fiscal year, it collected nearly $22 billion in state taxes and fees, and more than $4.7 billion for local governments. For more information about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.
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