Public Safety · North Wilkesboro, NC
Illegal 200-Gallon Moonshine Distillery Causes Explosion, Fire in North Wilkesboro
A structure fire caused by an active illegal liquor distillery occurred Oct. 26 in North Wilkesboro, N.C., prompting the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office and county officials to contact state Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agents. Agents discovered a 200-gallon non-taxpaid distillery at the scene and seized 1,800 gallons of mash and 161 gallons of moonshine. Billy Ray Anderson, 69, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses including manufacturing and possession for sale of non-taxpaid alcoholic beverages and possession of distillery equipment.