Store Owner Arrested After Allegedly Buying What He Thought Was Stolen Liquor

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – The owner of a Vallejo convenience store and gas station was arrested earlier this month after officials with the state Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control duped him into buying what he thought was stolen liquor, according to ABC officials.

After a month-long investigation, ABC agents arrested the owner of J&R Gas and Mini-Mart, located at 850 Sereno Drive, on Aug. 12 on suspicion of receiving purportedly stolen property, ABC officials said.

The investigation began after agents received a tip about illegal activity taking place at the business from another agency, according to ABC officials.

Acting on the tip, undercover agents met with the owner at his business several times and sold him what they told him was stolen liquor, ABC officials said.

On the final visit before his arrest, the undercover agent sold the owner more purportedly stolen liquor, which was valued at about $2,000, according to ABC officials.

After the owner's arrest, agents recovered some of the previously purchased bottles of liquor, which were being offered for sale.

The identity of the owner has not been released.

In addition to his arrest, the owner may have his license to sell alcoholic beverages suspended or revoked, ABC officials said.

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--Bay City News/Patch file photo