Busted: Tobacco Store Owner Arrested for Sales Tax Evasion

The owner of Discount Tobacco was arrested this week by S.C. Department of Revenue officials for four counts of sales tax evasion. 

Syed Ahmed, 42, is charged with evading sales tax for years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 by incorrectly reporting the establishment’s monthly sales taxes. 

The SCDOR investigation revealed that over the course of these years, Discount Tobacco, located at 1024 North Main Street in Summerville, allegedly had taxable sales totaling over $5.6 million, whereas Ahmed reported taxable sales of approximately $3.3 million for this time period. Discount Tobacco therefore allegedly has a sales tax liability of $167,003.

Ahmed is out on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. He could face up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $40,000 in fines.

Here is a list of arrests made by Summerville Police from Dec. 10-16. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. Arrest does not indicate charges or convictions.

• Zachary Sellers, 48, of Summervile was arrested for criminal domestic violence Dec. 10 at Brownsville. 
• Willie Whtie Jr. of Ladson was arrested for criminal domestic violence Dec. 10. 
• Salina Janet Robinson, 49, of Hollywood was arrested for criminal domestic violence Dec. 11 at Evergreen. 
• Nina Nicole Marino, 28, of Moncks Corner was arrested for shoplifting less than $1,000 Dec. 13 at Azalea Square.
• Kenon Roderick Stevens, 31, of Summerville was arrested for criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and kidnapping Dec. 14. He was originally captured in North Carolina.  
• Deborah Williams Washington, 56, of Ridgeville was arrested for check fraud under $500 Dec. 14. 
• Marvin R. Bethea, 30, of Summerville was arrested for criminal domestic violence Dec. 15 on Gahagan Road. 
• Tamara Rachele Bunt, 25, of Summerville was arrested for driving under suspension Dec. 16 on South Main Street.
• Jermaine LaMott Holmes, 37, of North Charleston was arrested for failure to appear Dec. 16.