Two charged in Johnston moonshine operation

ALE agents found 3,948 gallons of mash, which is used to make moonshine, at 3260 Woods Crossroads last Friday and destroyed it, authorities said. They also seized $855 in cash.

John L. Wood, who lives at the house where the moonshine was found, was charged with possession of non-tax-paid alcohol, possession for sale and selling of non-tax-paid liquor, illegal manufacturing of alcoholic beverages and possession of equipment intended for use in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.

James C. Adams, of 1457 Ivey Road in Benson, also was charged with possession of non-tax-paid alcohol, possession of non-tax-paid alcohol for sale and selling alcohol without a state permit. ALE agents seized his car.

In separate investigations, ALE agents seized 294 gallons of liquor from a vehicle at 154 Falkner Quarter Road in Warrenton, authorities said. They charged the owner, Harry Stegall Jr., with five counts each of possession of non-tax-paid alcohol and possession of non-tax-paid alcohol for sale and two counts of transporting non-tax-paid alcohol. Agents confiscated three vehicles and $1,289 in cash.

In the Halifax County town of Hollister, agents seized six gallons of liquor and a shot gun from a home at 38896 N.C. Highway 561, authorities said. Homeowner James D. Richardson was charged with possession of non-tax-paid alcohol, possession of non-tax-paid alcohol for sale and possession of a firearm by a felon.