FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky authorities indicted nine people Tuesday on charges of spiriting away what one prosecutor called more bourbon whiskey than a person could drink in a lifetime.
Prosecutors say the scheme led by rogue distillery workers lasted for years and involved tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of whiskey but began to unravel when whiskey barrels were discovered behind a shed.
The theft targeted the Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey distilleries, they said, and included some prestigious brands, including pricey Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. It had been going on since 2008, officials said.
Franklin County Commonwealth’s Attorney Larry Cleveland said last week the case involves “more than I could imagine one person drinking in a lifetime.”
Sheriff Pat Melton estimated the recovered whiskey alone is worth at least $100,000.