Category Archives: Crimes

Vintner Pleads Guilty to Killing Cyclist While Driving Drunk

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Ulises Valdez Jr. pleaded guilty in Sonoma County Superior Court to killing a cyclist and costing a 12-year-old boy his leg while driving drunk. The counts included gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing serious … Continue reading →

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2 Indicted in $100 Million Wine Collateral Fraud Scheme

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

It was an “intoxicating investment opportunity,” attorneys in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn said. The defendants, who were indicted in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, N.Y., told investors that the defendants’ company, Bordeaux Cellars, brokered loans between investors and … Continue reading →

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Moonshiner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

Posted on February 6, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Clifton Ray Anderson, Jr., 47, of Boomer, N.C., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States of excise taxes on distilled liquor and to violate the laws of the United States, including the interstate transportation of untaxed liquor and … Continue reading →

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Preservation Distillery Founder Sentenced in Varsity Blues Scandal

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Marci Palatella, founder of Preservation Distillery, was sentenced to six weeks in prison after she pleaded guilty to bribing officials to get her son admitted to the University of Southern California.  She also must serve six months of home confinement and … Continue reading →

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Buffalo Trace Fans Scammed on Social Media

Posted on September 16, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Many fans see ads on social media promising them Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskeys at low prices, but are disappointed when nothing arrives, or the bottles are empty and not legitimate. Although various brands from Buffalo Trace’s portfolio have been targeted, … Continue reading →

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Distillery Owner Pleads Guilty in College Admissions Scandal

Posted on August 25, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Marci Palatella, co-owner of Bardstown, Ky., Preservation Distillery, known for its Very Olde Saint Nick and Rare Perfection bottlings, agreed to plead guilty to paying $500,000 to bribe her son into the University of Southern California. Under a plea agreement, she is … Continue reading →

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