Sheriff: First liquor still seized in Kershaw County in decades
Kershaw County deputies have charged a Lugoff man who was allegedly running a moonshine distillery out of his home Thursday afternoon, officials said.
Sheriff Jim Matthews said 59-year-old William “Joe” Leonard Branham has been charged with possession of a working distillery for the purpose of manufacturing prohibited alcoholic liquors in connection with the investigation.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a fine of no less than $600.
Matthews said Kershaw County narcotics investigators received an anonymous tip that Branham was operating a distillery out of his home, which is located in the 1300 block of Barlow Drive just outside of Lugoff.
When deputies arrived at the residence, Matthews said, they observed Branham carrying equipment and other items commonly associated with the manufacturing of moonshine into a outbuilding located on the property.
At one point, deputies could smell a “mash” aroma when the winds shifted, Matthews said.
Deputies approached the outbuilding and could clearly see Branham, through an open door, in the the process of making moonshine. Deputies identified themselves and asked Branham to come inside the building, to which he consented, Matthews said.
Deputies were able to locate all the ingredients necessary to make moonshine along with 48 bottles of assorted flavors of suspected moonshine, Matthews said. They were also able to locate a notebook containing the names of Branham’s suspected customers.
Branham told deputies he had the capability of making 13 gallons of illegal liquor per month and sold the moonshine for $20 a quart, Matthews said.
“As far as some of my deputies who have been with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 20 years, they tell me that this is the first liquor still seized in Kershaw County in decades,” Matthews said.
This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 12:40 PM with the headline "Sheriff: First liquor still seized in Kershaw County in decades."