Gladys Knight's Son Targeted in Restaurant Raid

Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Department of Revenue conducted a raid on Gladys Knight's Signature Chicken and Waffles on Tuesday.

Officials tell Patch that agents executed search warrants at all locations of the restaurant, as well as its corporate headquarters. They also unsuccessfully attempted to serve arrest warrants on Shanga Hankerson, Gladys Knight's son, at his home.

The Department of Revenue has opened a criminal theft case into Hankerson, alleging he has failed to remit sales and withholding taxes. Hankerson is suspected of using the money for personal use, and is accused of stealing over $650,000 in sales and withholding taxes owed to the state which, after penalties and interest, is more than $1 million. Criminal charges include theft by taking and theft by conversion.

"It is never the Department of Revenue's primary goal to shut down a business," said Josh Waites, director of the Office of Special Investigations. "We are working with Mr. Hankerson's attorney to have the business up and running again as soon as possible.

"As soon as a receivership agreement is reached between the state and Hankerson, the restaurant should reopen for business."

Gladys Knight herself is not suspected of any criminal activity.