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9 Charged in Mass Theft of Pappy Van Winkle, Wild Turkey Bourbon

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Workers at two Kentucky distilleries have been charged in a theft ring involving thousands of dollars worth of stolen bourbon.

The scheme targeted sought-after labels that retail for hundreds of dollars.

In a video announcement, Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway says the Franklin County Sheriff department uncovered barrels of Wild Turkey whiskey and bottles of Pappy van Winkle bourbon while executing a search warrant for steroid possession.  Sensing a connection to the high-profile theft, the sheriff asked the AG’s Cyber Crimes Unit to investigate.  

Using seized cell phones and hard drives, the Cyber Crimes unit was able to link up a network of individuals involved in the crime as well as a larger syndicate of criminal affiliates.  

Authorities say that the crime ring started between friends in a softball league. Distillery workers at Buffalo Trace and Wild Trace allegedly stole some of the most sought-after bourbons including Pappy Van Winkle, which retails for up to $250 per bottle. 

25 bottles of Pappy were recovered, along with fifteen barrels of Wild Turkey and a stainless steel barrel of Eagle Rare, which is worth about $12,000. 

No official connection has been made between this scheme and 65 cases of Pappy Van Winkle that were stolen in 2013. 

Nine people have been charged with engaging in organized crime. Authorities say that bourbon that isn’t in a sealed bottle will be destroyed. 

Rob Canning is a native of Murray, KY, a 2015 TV Production grad of Murray State. At MSU, he served as team captain of the Murray State Rowing Club. Rob's goal is to become a screenwriter, film director or producer and looks to the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for inspiration. He appreciates good music, mainly favoring British rock n' roll, and approves of anything with Jack White's name on it. When not studying, rowing or writing, Rob enjoys spending his free time with a book or guitar.
Ryland Barton is the Managing Editor for Collaboratives for Kentucky Public Radio, a group of public radio stations including WKMS, WFPL in Louisville, WEKU in Richmond and WKYU in Bowling Green. A native of Lexington, Ryland most recently served as the Capitol Reporter for Kentucky Public Radio. He has covered politics and state government for NPR member stations KWBU in Waco and KUT in Austin.
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