News Release

June 21, 2007
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

Roanoke Valero Franklin Mart Busted for Underage Sales

Special agents from the Roanoke Regional Office of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Bureau of Law Enforcement conducted an investigation at the Valero Franklin Mart, located at 3001 Franklin Road in Roanoke, that concluded early yesterday with multiple charges, including selling to underage persons.

During the six plus hour investigation, ABC special agents placed 23 charges against 10 individuals. The charges include underage possession of alcohol, possession of marijuana, possession of a fake ID, sale of alcohol to an underage person, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, all of which are Class 1 misdemeanors. Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.

Seven of the 23 charges were placed against the establishment's owner and an employee for selling the alcohol to persons under the age of 21. The owner and employee were arrested and taken to Roanoke City Jail where the owner was held on $1,000 secured bond and the employee was held on a $1,500 unsecured bond. The remaining charges were summonses.

In addition to the criminal charges, the establishment will be charged administratively with selling alcohol to underage persons. Administrative charges are docketed for hearing to determine possible action against the ABC license. Administrative hearings can result in fines, suspensions or revocation of a license.

Investigating ABC agents were acting on a citizen complaint alleging that underage persons could easily purchase alcohol from this convenience store. To report a crime relating to ABC laws, call the ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement toll-free Crimeline at (866) 437-3155, or visit the agency Web site at www.abc.virginia.gov.