ATHENS, Tenn. – Lance William Torbett pleaded guilty to three counts of tax evasion in a McMinn County Criminal Court this week.  Judge Andrew Freiberg sentenced Torbett to four years of supervised probation and granted judicial diversion.  Additionally, Torbett was ordered to pay restitution of $13,330.75.

“The Department of Revenue strives to promote voluntary compliance of Tennessee’s tax laws by educating taxpayers and pursuing criminal sanctions for accountability of fraudulent actors,” said Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano. “This guilty plea underscores the department’s efforts to ensure a fair administration of Tennessee’s tax laws.”

The Department of Revenue pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Stephen Hatchett’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 around 87 percent of total state revenue.  During the 2025 fiscal year, it collected about $21 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $5 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.