Comptroller's Agents, Prince George's County Police Seize Nearly 400 Cases of Bootleg Beer

Annapolis, MD (June 18, 2009) – Emphasizing his commitment to protecting Maryland businesses and consumers, Comptroller Peter Franchot today joined with the Prince George’s County Police Department to announce the recent confiscation of approximately 400 cases of beer worth nearly $10,000 from two Prince George’s County businesses.

Agents for Comptroller Franchot teamed up with Prince George’s Police after a tip from a local beer wholesaler that numerous cases of beer were missing. Acknowledging the possibility of internal theft, the two law enforcement agencies embarked on a vigorous joint investigation.

“As Comptroller, I have always vowed to protect law-abiding businesses and consumers,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Therefore, I refuse to tolerate activities and practices that blatantly disregard Maryland tax laws. My agents will continue to partner with fellow law enforcement officials throughout the state to rid our streets of contraband and maintain a level playing field for all Maryland businesses and consumers.”

After conducting routine liquor dealer inspections at several stores believed to be receiving the stolen alcohol, Comptroller agents found that the liquor stores did not have the required invoices for the recently received beer. As a result, a total of 395 cases of beer worth $9,266 were confiscated from Four-Way Stop-Market in Hyattsville and
Riverdale Plaza Liquor Store in Riverdale.

Comptroller agents and the Prince George’s County Police Department charged the beer wholesaler employees, Terrell A. Greenfield and Larry H. Gross, as well the manager of Riverdale Plaza Liquor Store, Sung Hong Im, and the owner of Four Way Stop-Market, Song Keun Jun. Both, Greenfield, 47, of Hyattsville, Md. and Gross, 33, of Lusby, Md., have been charged with five counts of theft over $500, one count of theft scheme over $500 and one count of untaxed alcoholic taxed beverage which carries a maximum penalty of 35 years in jail and/or a total of $60,000 in fines. Gross has been charged with additional charges including one count of unlicensed alcohol sale, one count of doing business without a Traders License and one count of engaging in a business without a tax license, carrying up to $1400 in fines and/or two years and 30 days in jail.

Store operators Im and Jun have both been charged with one count of unlawfully failing to keep accurate records, which carries a $1000 fine and/or two years imprisonment; as well as, one count of unlawfully purchasing alcoholic beverages purchased from other than a duly licensed wholesaler, also carrying a $1000 fine and/or two year jail sentence. Additionally, Jun was charged with one count of theft scheme over $500 and five counts of theft over $500, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or a total of $50,000 in fines. This investigation is ongoing. Charges for additional participants and retailers are pending.

So far in fiscal year 2009 ending June 30, Comptroller agents have had 90 alcohol violations confiscating 1,150 gallons of distilled liquor, 119 gallons of wine and 43,402 containers of illegal beer with a retail value of approximately $140,000.