ELIZABETHTOWN — Two South Carolina residents have been arrested in Bladen County following a joint undercover operation involving the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Alcohol Enforcement Agents, and agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
“Agent Justin Hewitt with ALE reached out to Investigator Richard Allen with my office and requested a joint operation to deal with complaints of two individuals who were selling moonshine via Facebook,” said Sheriff Jim McVicker. “Working together, we were able to set up a meeting in Clarkton where our undercover agent met with the sellers who agreed to drive up from South Carolina and deliver 8 quarts of various flavors of moonshine. After the meeting took place the two individuals were arrested without incident.”
Arrested was Dillen Wright, 20 of Aynor, South Carolina, who was charged with possession of alcohol by 20-year-old, consuming alcohol by a 20-year-old, transporting non-tax paid alcohol, possessing non-tax paid alcohol, unauthorized possession of spirituous liquor, selling alcohol wthout a permit, consuming alcohol on a premise with only off premise permit, and transporting over 4 liters of spirituous liquor across state lines.
Also arrested and charged was Kaytee Lauren Nielsen, 26, of Aynor, South Carolina. She was charged with transporting non tax paid alcohol, possession for sale of non-tax paid alcohol, unauthorized possession of spirituous liquor, and transporting over 4 liters of spirituous liquor across state lines.
Both received a $15,000 bond, which they have posted.
“This operation was one of cooperation between states and local agencies to help stop an operation that was crossing state lines,” said McVicker. “We could not have done this without the assistance of ALE. I am glad we have a good working relationship and glad we were able to shut these folks down. It never ceases to amaze me how people use social media sites like Facebook to carry on their criminal activity. This time it was a big mistake on their part.”
