News Release

June 18, 2007
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

Multi-Agency Raid of Unlicensed Eastville Nightclub Results in Arrests

Approximately 35 multi-agency law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at an unlicensed establishment occupied by over 60 people in the Eastville area early Sunday morning. Monies from alleged door charges, gambling and illegal alcohol sales were recovered along with marijuana, crack cocaine and one firearm. The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, Northampton County Sheriff's Office and Virginia State Police Tactical Team participated in the raid.

The search warrant was the result of a three-week undercover investigation into activities being conducted at this establishment, located at the 17000 block of Courthouse Road, which was being operated as an unlicensed private club/restaurant. Undercover ABC agents were able to purchase alcohol on three different occasions over the course of three weeks, which led to the securing of a search warrant by ABC.

Unlicensed establishments such as this one, where alcoholic beverages are sold by the drink for both on-and off-premise consumption are known as nip joints. These establishments range from very small, one-person residential operations to large, restaurant-style operations.

There were five charges filed. Daniel M. Washington, 35, of Birdsnest, was charged with three counts of sale of alcohol without a license. He was summonsed and released and will be arraigned July 10 in the Northampton County General District Court. Angelo Galloway, 36, of Cape Charles was charged with two counts of aiding and abetting the sale of alcohol without a license. He is incarcerated at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail. Additional charges are pending.

Both charges are Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in prison and up to a $2,500 fine.

The Eastern Shore Drug Task Force is evaluating the drug evidence that was confiscated and turned over to them.