In Blountville, Tennessee, John Edward Saunders, a resident of Sullivan County, has pled guilty to one count of use tax evasion following an investigation by the Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue. The case was overseen by Judge William Rogers, who accepted Saunders’ plea, sentencing him to one year of probation and granting him judicial diversion. Additionally, Saunders was ordered to pay restitution to the Department of Revenue.
David Gerregano, Revenue Commissioner, emphasized the department’s commitment to promoting voluntary compliance with Tennessee’s tax laws and pursuing criminal sanctions to hold fraudulent individuals accountable. He noted that Saunders’ guilty plea highlights the department’s dedication to ensuring fair tax law administration.
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The criminal case was pursued in collaboration with District Attorney Barry Staubus’ office. Citizens with suspicions of violations of Tennessee’s revenue laws are encouraged to report them using the toll-free tax fraud hotline at (800) 372-8389.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue is tasked with administering state tax laws, motor vehicle title and registration laws, and collecting associated taxes and fees. The department is responsible for approximately 87 percent of the total state revenue, collecting $22.2 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.7 billion for local governments during the 2024 fiscal year. For more information about the department, visit their website at www.tn.gov/revenue.
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Dyersburg Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse Crimes
Robert Galler from Dyersburg has been sentenced to prison by both federal and state courts for sexual abuse crimes involving minors. In federal court, he received a 300-month sentence for transporting a minor for illicit sexual conduct, while in state court he received a 25-year sentence for rape of a child and rape. Both sentences will run concurrently, and Galler is subject to lifetime supervision and sex offender registration. The case involved multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighting effective collaboration between federal and state systems.