Minnesota candy store owner charged over liquor-filled candy

Robert Wagner, 66, owner of Minnesota's Largest Candy Store, was charged with a gross misdemeanor for selling alcoholic beverages without a license or permit, according to a criminal complaint filed on Oct. 27, as reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. The charge stems from liquor-filled candies sold at the store in Jordan, Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division received an anonymous tip on July 1 that the store sold liquor-filled candies and sold some to a minor without checking ID. Court documents show the store does not have a license to sell alcohol.

Agents conducted an undercover check at the store on July 22 and found a section for alcoholic beverage candies and confections. Many boxes carried the warning, "Sales of this product to persons under the legal age for purchasing alcoholic beverages is unlawful." The complaint said the alcohol-filled items were sold through the same process as other items.

Later that day, agents executed a search warrant and met with Wagner. Court records show Wagner told agents the store does not have an alcoholic beverage license and that he knew about the candy and believed the store could sell all the alcoholic candies it had in stock.

Wagner's first court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 18.