By WES WOLFE
Staff Writer
A man stopped for expired license plate registration was found with a jug of illegal moonshine, according to the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.
Monday at 5 p.m., Deputy Josh Stocks pulled in behind a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado at the intersection of N.C. 11 South and N.C. 55 West, noticing the vehicle had expired tags. After initiating a stop and speaking with the driver, Stocks smelled burned marijuana. The driver – Joshua Andrew Rouse, 22 – admitted to smoking it, but said it was all gone.
According to an LCSO report, while seizing a pipe, Stocks noticed a gallon jug in the vehicle, which Rouse said was moonshine. That was also seized.
Stocks issued a citation for possessing non-tax paid liquor, possession for sale of non-tax paid liquor and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Under state law, the LCSO impounded Rouse’s truck, which will be sold at a later time.
“Under the law any amount of non-tax paid liquor is illegal to possess,” Lenoir County Sheriff Chris Hill said in a statement. “Of greater importance is that any amount of illegal liquor transported in a motor conveyance subjects that conveyance to seizure and public sale. The proceeds from the sale of the vehicle will go to the school system.”
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.
