IMPORTANT NEWS...
Lee County Man Arrested for Running Illegal Moonshine Still
March 11, 2011
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation today announced that the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) has arrested a Lee County man for running an illegal moonshine still. Arthur Meade was operating the moonshine distillery at his place of employment in Naples and was arrested after ABT agents conducted an investigation which led them to discover the illegal still. The arrest is the division’s second this week for operating an illegal still.
Based on their investigation, ABT agents believe Meade, 42, was running the still over the course of several weeks. Meade, of Ft. Myers, was in possession of the materials being used to make the moonshine whiskey and to run the still. He was arrested on site with assistance from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Meade was booked into the Collier County Jail and faces one count of ownership, possession or control of moonshine whiskey, a second-degree misdemeanor; one count of possession, custody or control, or to own, make, construct, or repair any still, still piping or still apparatus, a third-degree felony; and one count of possession, custody or control of raw material or substance intended to be used in the distillation or manufacturing of an alcoholic beverage, a third-degree-felony. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office in Collier County.