In The News

Tenn. trucking exec pleads guilty to tax, fraud charges

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee businessman Joseph Brandenburg has pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion and wire fraud charges.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported Brandenburg of Loudon County bilked a billing firm by a least $1 million by filing false job claims.

A plea deal showed Brandenburg operated a trucking company that transported cars and car parts as well as newsprint products for clients.

He contracted with Prime Financial Services to handle billing.

Court records showed Brandenburg submitted invoices to Prime for cargo runs that were never made. The firm was paying the trucking fees before collecting from Brandenburg's clients.

Sentencing was set for July 13.

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at [email protected] .