Agents seize illegal moonshine still in Polk County

BARTOW, Fla. -- On Thursday, November 5, 2009, acting on an anonymous tip, Polk County Sheriff's undercover detectives served a search warrant at 7316 Thomas Jefferson Circle East in Bartow and seized a working moonshine still. The detectives were assisted by an agent from the Florida Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

Upon arrival at the residence, detectives and the ATF agent observed a fully operational moonshine still, including seven jars of moonshine. Attached are photos of the still and moonshine.

Both suspects who live at the residence, 54-year-old Kenneth Wayne Wilkerson, DOB 11/20/55, and 36-year-old Rockie D. Smith, DOB 7/10/73, admitted to using the still to make moonshine for their own use and to sell to their friends and co-workers.

Detectives dismantled the still and collected it as evidence, along with the seven jars of moonshine. Both suspects were placed under arrest and charged with one count each of Possession of a Still or Still Apparatus (F-3), Possession of Moonshine (F-3), and Conspiracy to Violate Beverage Law (F-3). Both men have bonded out of jail.

"Every now and then, we run across an illegal moonshine still-it gives us a glimpse of what law enforcement must have been like back in the day," said Sheriff Grady Judd.