Published: January 17, 2020


A COLUMBIA BUSINESS OWNER HAS PLED GUILTY TO TAX EVASION AFTER AN INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED BY THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS SECTION OF THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.  BILLY RAYNOR, 66, IS THE PRINCIPAL OFFICER OF FARMER’S FAMILY RESTAURANT IN COLUMBIA.  IN MAURY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT LAST WEEK, JUDGE J. RUSSELL PARKES ACCEPTED RAYNOR’S GUILTY PLEA TO SIX COUNTS OF HINDERING REVENUE COLLECTIONS AND ONE COUNT OF TAX EVASION.  PARKES SENTENCED RAYNOR TO TWO YEARS OF SUPERVISED PROBATION. THE DEPARTMENT PURSUED THIS CRIMINAL CASE IN COOPERATION WITH DISTRICT ATTORNEY BRENT COOPER’S OFFICE.  CITIZENS WHO SUSPECT VIOLATIONS OF TENNESSEE'S REVENUE LAWS SHOULD CALL THE TOLL-FREE TAX FRAUD HOT LINE AT 800-372-8389.