NEWS RELEASE

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

Public Affairs Office

Contact: Danny Brazell – (803) 898-5464

Email: brazeld@sctax.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2004

Gaffney businessman charged with tax violation

            The owner of a Gaffney photography business was jailed briefly today after turning himself in this morning to a South Carolina Department of Revenue investigator at the Cherokee County Detention Center.

            James D. Compton, 71, owner of Smith Studios, was charged with one count of operating his business without a state retail sales license. He was released on personal recognizance this afternoon.

            Compton, who license was revoked by the Department of Revenue in December 2000 for failing to pay state sales tax, was cited and fined by revenue department agents last December for operating his business without a license. Compton continued to operate his business and in January was instructed by the Department of Revenue to close. He continued to operate his business illegally since that time leading to his arrest today.

            Compton could be jailed for up to 30 days and fined up to $200 if convicted of the charge.

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