Former owner of Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles to serve 2 years

“While ownership of a well-known restaurant in our community has its perks, it also comes with great responsibility,” IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent James E. Dorsey said. “Paying taxes is a way to give back to the community, but unfortunately Hankerson chose to use those funds for other means. This sentencing emphasizes that all employers, big and small, have equal responsibility to collect, report and pay their payroll taxes.”

In June 2016, the Georgia Department of Revenue shut down Hankerson’s three restaurants and he was arrested. The following month, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Hankerson’s employees told investigators he used the money for sex parties and marijuana.

Knight also sued Hankerson, who was ordered to remove her name and likeness from his businesses.