Authorities in Alabama shut down an illegal winery being operated by city employees at a sewage plant in the town of Rainsville. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office raided the Rainsville Waste Water Treatment Plan after receiving an anonymous tip about the wine-making operation.
Deputies discovered around 100 gallons of alcohol, along with glass containers, plastic buckets, and other tools used to ferment wine. Officials believe the operation had been going on for quite some time.
"I want to thank the mayor for his cooperation and willingness to allow law enforcement to do our job and shut something like this down. This is definitely one of the biggest operations we've seen in our county and possibly our state. A big thanks to the public and their tips against ALL illegal activities," DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said.
Authorities expect to arrest those involved but did not say what charges they will face. While it is legal to make your own alcohol in Alabama, you cannot have more than 15 gallons at a time.
"Once again, 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," he said.
Photo: DeKalb County Sheriff's Office