May 9, 2019
FCSO MAKES CHARGE FOR ILLEGAL DISTILLERY
SUBJECT: William Allen Kimmy, of 5906 Pygatt Road, Effingham, SC 29541 was charged by FCSO Investigators on May 8, 2019 with one count of Possession of a Distillery (S.C. Code Ann. 61-6-4100)(first offense).
NARRATIVE: On May 8, 2019 Narcotics Investigators with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Allen Kimmy upon discovery of an illegal liquor still located at 5906 Pygatt Road, Effingham, SC. The discovery followed citizen complaints. When Investigators arrived at the incident location they discovered two 55 gallon drums of peach mash along with the specially designed copper cooling apparatuses and other items and material necessary for the distillation process. (See attached photographs). The illegal liquor produced by the stills is often called “hooch,” “homebrew” or “moonshine.”
Under South Carolina law, it is unlawful for a person to manufacture, sell, give or have in his possession a distillery, or any integral part thereof if used for the purpose of manufacturing alcoholic liquors. A first offense violation of this code section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $600.00 or imprisonment for six months.
While much less common now, the consumption of liquor from illegal stills has been associated with serious illness including lead-salts poisoning which can lead to blindness and death.
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Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.
