Local and State News

Milton Man Charged With Possession of Moonshine Still

November 20, 2017

Milton, FL – A Milton man has been arrested for illegally possessing a moonshine still after being the subject of poaching deer.

According to the Florida Wildlife Commission Law Enforcement Division, two of their officers were investigating a deer poaching case when the came in contact with John Braxton Ward at his home on Mittie Crain Rd. in Milton, Fl.

John Braxton Ward

During the investigation, FWC officers observed an illegal moonshine still. The officers relayed the information to the Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT).

Investigators traveled to the Mittie Crain Rd residence where the made contact with Ward. During their investigation, Ward admitted to possessing the still and making moonshine.

The report further states that while talking to Ward, they observed two more whiskey stills near Ward’s shed. After obtaining consent to search the property, they located other items used to make moonshine.

A warrant was obtained for Ward and he was arrested on November 8, 2017 for possession of a still which is a felony in the state of Florida.

According to Florida law, it is unlawful for any person to have in her or his possession, custody, or control, or to own, make, construct, or repair, any still, still piping, still apparatus, or still worm, or any piece or part thereof, designed or adapted for the manufacture of an alcoholic beverage, or to have in her or his possession, custody or control any receptacle or container containing any mash, wort, or wash, or other fermented liquids whatever capable of being distilled or manufactured into an alcoholic beverage, unless such possession, custody, control, ownership, manufacture, construction, or repairing be by or for a person authorized by law to manufacture such alcoholic beverage.

Also according to Florida law, it is a felony to possess a gallon or more of untaxed liquor and a misdemeanor for any amount that is under one gallon. Untaxed liquor does include moonshine. This law does not apply to beer or wine.

The first legal moonshine distillery, Peaden Brothers Distillery, in Okaloosa County Florida is located in Crestview on Main St. and is owned by the Peaden Family.

There is also an excellent display of Moonshine Still History in Baker, FL at the Baker Block Museum.

For those that are familiar with geocaching, here is a link to the Turkey Hen Still located on the south end of Crestview on Eglin Airforce Base Reservation.

 

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