BOURBON RING BUSTED

BOURBON IS HOT STUFF these days. Literally. As popularity for the brown spirit has soared over the past few years, thefts have skyrocketed as well. Nine people were recently indicted in a massive theft of Kentucky bourbon according to the Franklin County Sheriff. The suspects include a Wild Turkey employee and two employees of Buffalo Trace Distillery.

“This has been an ongoing course of behavior that we, the detectives, know of since 2OO8,” Sheriff Pat Melton said, adding that it was probably the tip of the iceberg. The thefts include a massive heist of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon that made national headlines in October, 2O13, some of which has been recovered. Authorities say 17 wooden barrels of bourbon, 2O cases of Pappy Van Winkle and one stainless steel barrel of Eagle Rare worth $11,OOO-$12,OOO were recovered. Buyers of the stolen bourbon were typically paying far less than the retail value although investigators say they do not believe any of the stolen bourbon was sold on the retail market.The indicted individuals reportedly acted as a group – and apparently met through a softball league. One of the suspects worked in the loading dock and another hauled bourbon for Wild Turkey. Earlier this year, detectives arrested 45-year-old Gilbert Curtsinger, an employee of Buffalo Trace Distillery, seizing five barrels of bourbon, 25 firearms, thousands of dollars of cash and illegal steroids. Officials say the stolen bourbon in that case came from Wild Turkey Distillery in Anderson County, Kentucky. Curtsinger has been identified as the ringleader of the bourbon theft ring, as has his wife, Julie Curtsinger, who is also facing charges.