The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted investigation that led to indictment and arrest of 45-year-old man

Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, the 45-year-old man, later identified as Darrell Lawson was arrested for one count of tax evasion and booked into the Campbell County Jail on Tuesday.

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.