Four convenience stores closed by state

AUGUSTA - The state has closed four convenience stores -- two each in Augusta and Thomson -- for nonpayment of sales taxes. <br> <br> The four Bryant&#39;s Food and Fuel stores were seized and shuttered Tuesday by state revenue officials. <br> <br> Company President Joel Bryant filed for Chapter eleven bankruptcy protection later in the day in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Augusta, seeking protection from more than a dozen creditors and stating his estimated debt at two million dollars. <br> <br> Revenue officers said they plan to investigate what Bryant did with the sales taxes collected at the 24-hour stores since December 2000, which could result in criminal charges. <br> <br> The state and court documents show the company has unpaid taxes totaling $504,757. <br> <br> The stores are operated by Bryant&#39;s Video Oasis Incorporated, of North Augusta, which recently sold six of its stores in South Carolina.