TABC arrests four on third-degree felony theft charges
Thieves allegedly stole $278,000 in alcohol from Dallas County liquor distributor
DALLAS — An investigation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has landed four men behind bars after they allegedly stole thousands of dollars’ worth of alcoholic beverages from a local distributor.
The investigation began in April after TABC agents were contacted by officials from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits (Southern Glazer’s), a nationwide alcohol distributor with operations in 44 states, including Texas. Southern Glazer’s representatives informed TABC that a local package store was in possession of hundreds of cases of distilled spirits that the company had no record of selling or delivering to the store.
Subsequent investigation by TABC uncovered evidence that the store manager had illegally purchased the stolen products from a Southern Glazer’s delivery driver, with two other Southern Glazer’s employees also involved in the offense. In all, TABC agents recovered 230 cases of vodka, 119 cases of cognac and 29 cases of tequila from the package store, all valued at more than $34,000. Southern Glazer’s officials said total long-term losses due to the theft could top more than $278,000.
Arrested and charged with felony organized retail theft were
- Janish Pankaj Vaishnav, 33
- Victor Antonio Aguilar-Leon, 34
- Carlos Jaime Munoz, 43
- Michael Angel Medrano, 22
Each man was booked into the Dallas County Jail and later released on bond.
“This case marks outstanding cooperation between TABC agents, Southern Glazer’s and our partners at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “Without their assistance, it’s likely this theft would have continued even longer and could have caused ongoing harm both to the business and their customers across Texas.”
“We are very appreciative of the TABC’s quick response to this situation,” added Matt Metz, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Texas. “We are also grateful for the TABC agents who helped bring this case to a resolution.”
Organized retail theft is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The criminal cases are pending with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. A TABC administrative case also remains open at the package store, Top Liquor Beer and Wine, located at 7606 Greenville Avenue in Dallas.
For more information about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov.
Media Contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Public Information Officer
(512) 206-3462