Four arrested in Va. and N.C. "moonshine" bust

Four people - one from Chesapeake and three from North Carolina - were arrested Thursday on multiple charges related to possessing and transporting illegal whiskey, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The arrests came as part of an ongoing eight-month investigation with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement and other state and federal agencies.

Becky Gettings, a spokeswoman for Virginia ABC, said the investigation began when agents in Virginia traced the transportation of illegal whiskey, or “moonshine,” from North Carolina into Virginia.

Larry Parker, 57, of Chesapeake was arrested Thursday on 12 charges of sale of alcoholic beverages without a license, possessing and transporting untaxed whiskey and maintaining a common nuisance, the news release said. Agents seized one vehicle and numerous containers of untaxed whiskey during the arrest Thursday. He was released on his own recognizance, Gettings said.

In North Carolina, agents arrested three people in Northampton County who face a total of 11 charges, Gettings said.

North Carolina agents seized and destroyed liquor distilleries, distillery parts, about $1,900 in cash, vehicles, several gallons of “moonshine” and ingredients used in the manufacturing process of moonshine, the news release said. The names of the three and the exact charges were not available.