NEWS RELEASE

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

Public Affairs Office                   Phone (803) 898-5464

Contact: Danny Brazell                 Fax  (803) 898-5446

                                              Email: brazeld@sctax.org

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2003

 Chester County woman arrested on tax charges

       South Carolina Department of Revenue investigators arrested a Chester County woman today on charges of failing to file state income tax returns.

      Margaret S. Ayers, 45, of 160 Lancaster Street, Chester, is being held at the Chester County Detention Center following her arrest on four counts of failing to file state income tax returns.

      Ayers is accused of failing to file returns and pay the taxes she owes for tax years 1997-99 and 2001. The Department has not yet determined her tax liability for those years. She is facing up to four years in prison if convicted of the charges.

###