The owner of five Virginia pharmacies, including one in Rocky Mount, has been accused of a payroll tax violation.
Jerry R. Harper Jr., 58, of Collinsville pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Roanoke federal court to a single felony count that says he violated the federal tax code.
On Wednesday, a judge scheduled a hearing for May 4 whose stated purpose is for Harper to plead guilty, court records show. Harper maintained his innocence Wednesday, said his attorney, Joel Bron Miller.
The U.S. attorney’s office said Harper has operated Family Discount Pharmacy in Stanleytown since 1998. He also owned Rocky Mount Family Pharmacy and Family Pharmacy locations in Brosville, Chatham and Stuart, and he exercised total control over the businesses for the past 20 years. State records show he is a licensed pharmacist.
