LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — The former owner of a Lexington County restaurant is facing a tax evasion charge after allegedly underreporting sales by more than $250,000.
According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, 62-year-old Donald Herbert Prevette of West Columbia reported gross sales of $21,838 across seven months at Olde Country Buffet from 2022 to 2023. The department said the business made just shy of $281,000 in sales.
"As a result, he evaded approximately $19,612 in state sales tax," the agency said.
The Department of Revenue said it revoked Prevette's business license in April 2022. However, according to a warrant, he continued operating his restaurant without one, even after receiving written and verbal warnings.
Prevette faces up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine for each count of tax evasion if convicted. He faces up to 30 days in jail and up to $200 in fines for operating without a license.
The Department of Revenue urges anyone with information about a potential state tax crime, such as evasion or fraud, to contact its criminal investigation division by submitting a tax violation complaint form to FraudAdvisor@dor.sc.gov or mailing it to:
South Carolina Department of Revenue
Attn: Fraud Advisor
2070 Northbrook Blvd, Suite B7
North Charleston, SC 29406
