Underage Liquor Sting Busts 4 Area Businesses

Editor's Note: One or more names in this report have been redacted in light of additional documentation provided regarding this case.

SHOREWOOD, IL — The Mariano's on Route 59 was one of four area businesses recently busted by the Illinois State Police for selling alcoholic beverages to someone under the age of 21, according to the Illinois State Police.

The Illinois State Police notified Patch on Monday morning that its initial news release had incorrectly listed the Shorewood Wine and Spirits on Jefferson Street as having sold to a minor. That was incorrect, and it was the Mariano's grocery store, the police said.

Last Wednesday, Illinois State Police officials conducted surveillance at several establishments in Will County to determine which businesses may be selling alcohol to underage patrons. The Illinois State Police conducted surveillance at two dozen businesses in Plainfield, Shorewood and Channahon, and four of the places sold alcohol to minors, according to state police.

The following four people were arrested and charged with unlawful delivery of alcoholic liquor to a minor:

• The Channahon Casey’s General Store employee Toni R. Cassineri, 22, of Gardner;
• Channahon BP Gas Station employee Abraham Thannikari, 66, of Naperville;
• (name removed)
• Plainfield Gas and Wash employee Robert Dakota, 24, of Plainfield;

All four employees were released on a notice to appear in court, police officials said.

"The ISP commends establishments which do not sell alcohol to minors. This project was funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety," the agency announced.

Related Patch coverage:
Skooter's, 4 Other Establishments Sold Alcohol To Minor: Police