Sheriff’s Operation Finds Underage Alcohol Sales in Illinois

A coordinated compliance check by law enforcement in Illinois has cited three area gas stations for alcohol sales violations.

Crackdown on Underage Alcohol Sales in Machesney Park

In response to growing citizen complaints about the unlawful sale of alcohol to minors, the Machesney Park division of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office conducted an operation on Saturday, October 4.

According to the press release, the enforcement effort was a joint initiative with the Village of Machesney Park and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and targeted five gas stations around the village.

This is an ongoing effort to maintain community safety and prevent underage access to alcohol, while ensuring local businesses adhere to Illinois liquor laws.

Three Stations Fail Compliance Checks

Out of the five gas stations inspected, three were found in violation of state law for selling alcohol to minors, and the following citations were issued:

BP Gas Station – 11225 N. 2nd Street (Forest Hills Rd & Burden Rd). Clerk: Austin A. Telfair (dob: 01/12/1995). Charge: Sale of Alcohol to a Minor.
BP Gas Station – 8332 N. 2nd Street. Clerk: Rahu Manoharanradl (dob: 08/26/1995). Charge: Sale of Alcohol to a Minor.
Amoco Gas Station – 8320 N. 2nd Street. Clerk: Marcos Torres (dob: 07/31/2000). Charge: Sale of Alcohol to a Minor.

Officials Stress Community Safety

Mayor Steve Johnson also serves as Machesney Park's Liquor Commissioner, and said that concerns about alcohol sales to minors are taken "very seriously," and thanked the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission for partnering on this initiative.

Selling alcohol to minors is a serious offense that puts our youth and community at risk. We will continue to work closely with our local partners to ensure that businesses follow the law and help us maintain a safe environment for everyone in Winnebago County. -Sheriff Gary Caruana