Press Release: Putnam County Man Arrested for Tax Evasion

PUTNAM COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR TAX EVASION

COOKEVILLE – The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Frederick Jason Duncan for tax evasion. Revenue special agents arrested Duncan, age 38.

On December 7, 2020, a Putnam County Grand Jury indicted Duncan on one felony count of tax evasion. The indictment alleges Duncan provided false and fraudulent information to the Putnam County Clerk’s Office regarding his registration of a boat.

“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, Duncan could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for the count of sales tax evasion.

The department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Bryant Dunaway’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 about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2020 fiscal year, it collected $15.3 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $3.2 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.