Special agents with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) discovered more than narcotics when they were called to assist Suffolk Police Department with a search warrant on Thursday.
ABC agents were called to the 400 block of Vicksburg Road in the City of Suffolk to help Suffolk Police shut down a marijuana grow operation. When Suffolk Police executed of the warrant for narcotics, they discovered what appeared to be a liquor still and other items known to be used in the manufacture of illegal distilled spirits. Upon observation of these items, the scene was secured and ABC obtained a separate search warrant for the alcohol-related paraphernalia. After execution of the new search warrant, ABC agents seized a cooker hot plate, cooker pot, cooler coil and barrel, and assorted bottles which contained suspected illegal distilled spirits.
Once the ABC investigation was complete, a warrant was obtained for Leslie Allen Vanhoose, 59, the owner of the residence. Vanhoose was charged with two class 6 felonies for manufacture of alcoholic beverages without a license, and possession of weapons within 100 yards of a place where alcoholic beverages were unlawfully manufactured. He was also charged with two class 1 misdemeanors for possessing or keeping alcoholic beverages upon which imposed taxes have not been paid; and keeping, storing, or possessing a still or distilling apparatus without a permit.A class 6 felony is punishable by one to five years in prison, or 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine and a class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and/or up to a $2,500 fine.
Vanhoose was processed at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail where he was also facing charges as a result of the Suffolk Police Departments narcotics investigation. A trial date has not been set.
ABC Agents Discover More than Narcotics When Called to Assist Suffolk Police