Owner of popular Lexington Co. eatery arrested, charged with not reporting millions in sales

A Lexington County restaurant owner was arrested after concealing more than $213,000 in sales tax, according to a statement from the S.C Department of Revenue.

Jeremy Chavis, the owner of Jackson’s Southern Kitchen, was arrested early Friday morning, according to the statement.

The restaurant, which is famous for its Southern buffet, is on Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia.

Investigators said that between May 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2017, Chavis failed to report more than $2.7 million in sales at the restaurant, according to the statement. He allegedly under-reported sales on reports filed with the Department of Revenue.

Chavis was charged with four counts of tax evasion, for which he could face fines up to $40,000 and up to 20 years in prison.

After his arrest, he was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center, according to the statement.

This story was originally published August 24, 2018 at 9:22 AM.