A local businessman was arrested by state a local officials this past week on charges of tax evasion and theft.

The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the arrest on Thursday, Aug. 16, of Daljit Sandhu, age 42, president of Khalsa, Inc., d/b/a Zips Market #4, located in Lebanon. Wilson County Sheriff officials and Tennessee Department of Revenue Special Agents arrested Sandhu at the market. Bond was set at $25,000.

Sandhu was indicted by the Wilson County grand jury on Aug. 13 on 12 Class E felony counts of sales tax evasion in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-1-1440(g) and one Class C felony count of Theft of Property over $10,000 in violation of TCA Section 39-14-103.  The indictments charge Sandhu with tax evasion totaling $12,919.26 during the period January 2009 through December 2009.

"Tennessee's tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws," said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. "Taxpayers who collect but intentionally do not remit sales tax, breach the public's trust and violate the criminal laws of the State. This case underscores our commitment to rigorous and fair administration of Tennessee's tax laws."

If convicted, Sandhu could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of attempted tax evasion and a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for theft of property.

This case was pursued criminally by the department in cooperation with District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson'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).

To learn more about the state Department of Revenue, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.