On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 Georgia Department of Revenue Agents executed search
warrants at Sweet Basil Farms in Lamar County related to tax evasion. The Georgia Department of Revenue opened criminal tax evasion cases into Sweet Basil Farm owners, John David and Latitia Matthews, when criminal investigators from the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Department in March. The Lamar County Sheriff’s Office had discovered potential tax evasion after the Matthews were arrested on animal cruelty and other charges. 

The Office of Special Investigations found Sweet Basil Farms had filed suspicious returns which led to the search warrant. 

Initial criminal charges include one count of tax evasion for both John David and Latitia Matthews, a felony charge. The investigation may lead to additional tax related charges.

Josh Waites, Director of the Office of Special Investigations said “The Matthews have done a disservice to legitimate businesses throughout Georgia by deciding state laws do not apply to them.  We will continue our investigation and work with our various partners to ensure the Matthews are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Media Contact

Name: William Gaston
Phone: (404) 417-2286
Cell: (470) 725-5265
Email address: [email protected]

Related Files