By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Thursday, officials with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and Alabama Beverage Control Board (ABC) discovered an illegal winery operating at the Rainsville Wastewater Treatment Plant. Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) were on the scene to assist.
According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, the discovery came from an anonymous tip regarding the illegal operation.
“This is definitely one of the biggest operations we’ve seen in our county and possibly our state,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. “It doesn’t matter who you are, no one is above the law. We won’t tolerate anyone using their position to hide their illegal actions at the taxpayer’s expense.”
During a search of the building, agents and investigators uncovered “a large amount of illegal alcohol and a winery which appeared to be in operation for a long period of time.”
Earlier today, Rainsville Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt held a press conference to discuss the matter.
According to Lingerfelt, he received a call from officials with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, requesting access to the plant. After contacting the manager and assistant manager, DCSO officials entered the building and uncovered the previously stated illegal activities.
Lingerfelt said for the past several years he has served as liaison to the department, but had no knowledge of these activities.
“Things happen like that...you can’t stop every little thing that goes on, some things will slip through,” said Lingerfelt. “I was kind of in shock...it’s just one of those things you have to work through.”
Lingerfelt stated the plant’s supervisor has been suspended without pay, pending an investigation. The supervisor is one of four employees at the Rainsville Wastewater Treatment Plant, and at this time, no more employees are expected to be suspended.
When asked for comment, both Councilmembers Arlan Blevins, Derek Rosson, and Brandon Freeman stated they didn’t have enough information to make an informed comment at this time. Councilmember Bejan Taheri did not respond to calls from Southern Torch.
“You knew about it before I did,” said Council President Pro-Tem Ricky Byrum. “I don’t have a comment.”
This local incident has gained the attention of state and national news outlets. Follow Southern Torch for your local updates on this developing story.
UPDATE: Today, an arrest was made in the illegal winery operation that was set up in the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Rainsville.
Allen Maurice Stiefel (62 of Fyffe) was charged with Unlawful Possession of an Illegally Manufactured Alcoholic Beverage, a misdemeanor and Use of Official Position for Personnel Gain, a class B felony.
