Moonshine arrest
Published 10:57 am Wednesday, September 19, 2012
SUFFOLK, VA — Alcoholic Beverage Control agents here arrested a North Carolina man late last week for allegedly selling moonshine from an Old South Quay Road location in Suffolk.
About 24 gallons of moonshine were seized as well as the 1990 Chevrolet pickup driven by suspect Claude L. Parker, 59, of Hudson Parker Lane, Gates, according to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Hudson Parker Lane, a private road, is located off Jernigan Lane, which is off Sand Banks Road.
“The undercover investigation began three months ago based on complaints of someone selling illegal liquor to residents,” said Robert Brooks, special agent in charge of ABC’s Hampton Regional Office. “ABC undercover operatives purchased moonshine from Parker on several occasions leading up to the arrest. The moonshine sold for $55 per gallon.”
Parker was charged with four counts of selling untaxed liquor and possession of untaxed liquor, and three counts of transporting more than three gallons of liquor across a state line.
All charges are misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both, per charge.
Agents do not believe Parker manufactured the moonshine, according to the press release. An investigation into the source is continuing.
Parker was released on personal recognizance and will appear in Suffolk General District Court.