ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Department of Revenue officials say the son of singer Gladys Knight is accused of stealing tax money from several metro Atlanta chicken and waffles restaurants for his personal use.
Gladys Knight attending American Theatre Wing’s 68th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 8, 2014 in New York City/picture alliance Photo by: Dennis Van Tine/Geisler-Fotopres/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Department officials said in a statement that agents executed warrants at the restaurant’s locations and headquarters Tuesday and tried unsuccessfully to arrest Shanga Hankerson.
Authorities say Hankerson is accused of stealing more than $650,000 in sales and withholding taxes for personal use. After penalties and interest, officials say the total amounts to more than $1 million.
Director of the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Office of Special Investigations, Josh Waites, says state officials are working with Hankerson’s attorney “to have the businesses up and running again as soon as possible.”
Officials say Gladys Knight isn’t suspected of any criminal activity.