DYERSBURG - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Edward C. Ruff, II, in Dyersburg.  Revenue special agents arrested Ruff, 44, Tuesday while he was at the courthouse on a previous indictment.  Bond was set at $25,000.

On Monday, the Dyer County Grand Jury indicted Ruff on one count of crimes against Revenue officers and one count of theft.  The indictments allege Ruff submitted false documents when registering a trailer at the Dyer County Clerk’s Office.

“The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, aggressively pursuing criminal sanctions and demanding accountability when taxpayers engage in fraudulent activity," Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said.  "This arrest underscores the department's ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee's tax laws."

If convicted, Ruff could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for crimes against a Revenue officer, and he could be sentenced up to six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for theft.

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Danny Goodman, Jr.’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 and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2021 fiscal year, it collected $18.4 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $3.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.  To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue .

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