LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to indictment and arrest of Darrell Ashley Lawson, age 45.  Lawson was arrested for one count of tax evasion and booked into the Campbell County Jail on Tuesday.

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

If convicted, Lawson could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000.

The department is pursuing the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Jared Effler’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 around 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2023 fiscal year, it collected nearly $22 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit HERE.

Lawson, 45, 2473 Long Hollow Road, La Follette, is free on a $2,500 bond and is due in court on June 24, according to jail records. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/30/2024-6AM)

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