The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of 58-year-old Richard Allen Davis. Davis, is the managing partner of pizza chain, Music City Pieworks, doing business as Pie Five Pizza. Pie Five opened their 5th location in Smyrna on Sam Ridley Parkway in 2015. One of the franchise partners to open the Smyrna location was reportedly Rich Davis. That store is now closed. A Murfreesboro location was later opened, but that store was eventually closed as well.
He was charged with theft over $250,000, money laundering, and six counts of tax evasion related to the filing of false sales tax returns.
“Most businesses in Tennessee remit the tax dollars they collect from customers,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “Our department remains committed to prosecuting tax evaders to ensure a level playing field for all businesses.”
If convicted, Davis could be sentenced to a maximum of 60 years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $50,000 for the count of theft. Davis could also face additional sentencing and fines for the money laundering and tax evasion charges.
The department is pursuing the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Glenn Funk’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 2022 fiscal year, it collected nearly $20.9 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.3 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.
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