News Release
November 22, 2011
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419 or (804)201-7836
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov
ABC Agents Arrests a Nelson County Couple on Multiple Charges
Highlights
- ABC and USDA agents assisted by nine other agencies executed a search warrant in Nelson County.
- 15 felony charges and 57 misdemeanor charges resulted.
RICHMOND – Special agents with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assisted by nine other state and federal agencies, ended a joint investigation Nov. 22, as they executed a search warrant at an isolated residence, located on Rooster Ridge Road in Roseland. The investigation began as an inquiry into the operation of an illegal moonshine still when evidence of animal abuse was also discovered.
The owner of the home, Tracy Davis, 71, was arrested on 15 counts of felony possession of a dangerous weapon while illegally manufacturing, selling or transporting unlawful alcohol, 1 count of misdemeanor for the illegal transport of untaxed alcohol and 28 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Davis’ wife Joyce Davis, 61, was also arrested on 28 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The couple was arrested and booked at Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the Albemarle County Regional jail where Mr. Davis is being held without bond and Mrs. Davis’ bond was set at $5,000.
Agents seized an illegal distillery (moonshine still), several firearms, a 1998 Toyota pickup truck, a large number of malnourished hunting dogs, fighting chickens, two hogs and two horses.
ABC and USDA agents were on the scene until mid-morning Tuesday and were assisted by Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, Virginia Office of Attorney General, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Office of Animal Care and Health Policy, and the Humane Society of the United States.
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.Facebook: Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
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