Oregon Alcohol Regulators Used Their Power To Get Their Hands On Rare, Ultra-Expensive Bourbon, Investigation Finds

A number of top officials in charge of regulating alcohol in the state of Oregon may have drunk themselves under the table — and out the door.

According to an internal investigation, at least six members of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), including the agency’s former executive director, used their authority to divert rare and expensive bourbon Whiskey They could then buy it for personal use. According to reports, the officials used their connections to move the rare spirits into a store that could keep them away from the general public.

“After requesting the head of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s resignation, my administration became aware that leaders within this agency, including the director himself, abused their position for personal gain per their own admission in an internal investigation,” Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor, wrote a letter to this commission. “This behavior is wholly unacceptable. I will not tolerate wrongful violations of our government ethics laws. I urge the commission to install new leadership and remove the managers and executive leadership who have taken advantage of their access and authority to benefit themselves.”

The investigation revealed that OLCC Executive director Steve Marks and at most five other officials used the knowledge and connections of the commission to acquire the expensive whiskey. Local news outlet Willamette Week Note that OLCC can determine the destination of rare bottles left by manufacturers for customers. Some bottles are given to retailers, others to bars and restaurants and some others are given away by the lottery.

According to Oregon Public BroadcastingMarks stated to an investigator that he asked agency staff to divert liquor to a store where he could purchase it. Others bottles were also left by the agency to be purchased by managers. Officials paid for the spirits but used their connections to get them could be in violation of Oregon laws that prohibit officials from using confidential information for personal gain.

Marks claimed to have denied violating Oregon law, but he admitted to having received preferential treatment “to some extent” Because of his position. “I don’t know, a few times for my personal use,” According to reports, he confessed to investigators. “Pappy’s 23 is remembered in the last few years.” Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year is an extremely rare and expensive bourbon. A Google search The whiskey is priced at $5000 per bottle. One bottle of 2008 whiskey was sold at an auction in December. $52,000.

Other officials claimed that the practice was widespread and had been in place for many years. Chris Mayton, Director of Distilled Spirits at the OLCC, stated that he was a “soldier”. “facilitator” For customers, employees and even state lawmakers, hundreds upon hundreds of times and considered it part his work duties, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

Nikki Leslie said that she was the employee responsible for dispensing the liquor. This practice began eight years ago. In order to allow employees to buy the liquor ahead of the general population, she said that she was frequently asked to direct the bottles to a store in Milwaukie.

“This incident underlines the importance of having public accountability,” Mark Pettinger, agency spokesperson, spoke to the Associated Press. “The OLCC will need to work on rebuilding and restoring our public trust … and adhere to Oregon’s ethics laws.”