WAREHAM – On Thursday, July 26, starting at about 4:00 p.m. Wareham Police detectives conducted a compliance check of liquor stores in town. Three stores failed and sold alcohol to an undercover operative who was accompanied by members of the detective division. At the direction of Acting Police Chief John Walcek, not only are these liquor stores going to be dealt with administratively, the actual person who sold the liquor is going to face a criminal charge and have to appear in court. Acting Chief Walcek said, “Our department made it clear that there would zero tolerance for violations of law with regard to the sale of liquor to minors.” He further added, “We are going to step up our compliance checks with these businesses’ ensuring strict adherence to the law. Our officers are far too familiar with the problems associated with young people and liquor. If you are a minor and think you can buy alcohol in Wareham, those days are over. If you provide alcohol to a minor, plan on going to court to answer to criminal charges.”
Detectives are seeking criminal complaints for the following individuals who sold liquor to a person under 21. In addition the information is being sent to the town for possible administrative sanctions.
1. Rakesh Patel, 55, of Kingston – Anchor Liquors, 2369 Cranberry Highway.
2. Adelaide Deponte, 68, of Mansfield – Jug Shop, 221 Main Street.
3. Michael Domingos, 58, of Wareham – Sullivan’s Wine and Spirit, 260 Marion Road.
Media release and photo furnished by Wareham Police
