Shelby County Businessman Arrested on Tax Charges

MEMPHIS  - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and Friday’s arrest of Alex Crowder, age 45, in Germantown.

On November 16, 2023, a Shelby County Grand Jury indicted Crowder on one felony count of theft over $250,000, and one felony count of tax evasion related to the filing of false sales tax returns at Mr. P’s Buffalo Wings located on Hacks Cross, where he was the owner.

“Most businesses in Tennessee remit the tax dollars they collect from customers,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said.  “This indictment should serve as a warning to those that believe they can get away with tax fraud. Our department remains committed to prosecuting tax evaders to ensure a level playing field for all businesses.”

If convicted, Crowder could be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $50,000 for the theft charge. He could also be sentenced to two years in the penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for the tax charge.

The department is pursuing the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Steven Mulroy’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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