Feds file $140K lien against former Rep. Joe Armstrong’s property

The federal government has filed a $140,000 lien against property owned by former state Rep. Joe Armstrong to collect fees and restitution in his criminal tax case, reports the News Sentinel.

The lien includes any property Armstrong owns, according to Nick McBride with the Knox County Register of Deeds. Property records show that in addition to his $426,200 Holston Hills home, Armstrong owns a Selma Avenue house worth $34,900 and co-owns a $6,000 parcel on Plymouth Street.

The lien was filed Feb. 2, one week after a judge ordered Armstrong to pay a $40,000 fine and $100,000 in unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service for filing a false tax return.

McBride said liens for restitution and fines are not uncommon in court cases like this.

When asked Tuesday if he had made any payments on his fines and restitution, Armstrong declined to answer.