Virginia ABC Investigations in Franklin County Result in Five Arrests

Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) special agents wrapped up several months-long investigations into moonshine and narcotics operations in Franklin County last week with five arrests and leads into more illegal activity launching a new investigation.

With assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, ABC agents concluded three separate moonshine investigations in an enforcement roundup that included the seizure of more than 20 gallons of untaxed liquor and small amounts of marijuana and the following arrests late last week:

• Russell Wesley Pugh, 59, of the 300 block of Dogwood Hill Road in Boones Mill with felony manufacture of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Pugh was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond.
• Ronnie Manning, 50, (misdemeanor possession of untaxed liquor), Joshua Wayne Manning, 26, (misdemeanor possession of marijuana) and Jeremy Manning, 23, (misdemeanor possession of untaxed liquor and misdemeanor possession of marijuana), all of the 800 block of Tobacco Road in the Glade Hill area of Franklin County. All were released on their signatures.
• Michael Steven Cundiff, 59, of Oakpark Drive in the Moneta area of Franklin County, with misdemeanor possession of untaxed liquor. Cundiff was released on his signature.

During the course of the enforcement efforts late last week, ABC agents received a tip that led them to another location where they executed a consent search and seized approximately 150 gallons of untaxed liquor and a small amount of a controlled substance/narcotics. The alcohol was discovered behind a false wall in an outbuilding on John Wesley St. Clair’s property on Nina’s Way in the Wirtz area of Franklin County. Criminal charges are expected.

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The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing $1.7 billion to the general fund in the last five years. The agency currently operates 344 state stores. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees 16,000 ABC licensed establishments while the Hearings and Appeals Division considers more than 700 cases each year. The agency also provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Now in its 80th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its control, service and revenue mission.