Over the weekend, state and local officials raided two illegal alcohol establishments and seized cash, alcohol, drugs and a stolen firearm.
ALE received information of an illegal nightclub, 53 Bar and Lounge, at 3213 Cedar Creek Road in Fayetteville. The location previously held active ABC permits, but closed in October of 2016. Through the course of the investigation, special agents found the location was operating like a night club with a cover fee, DJ, armed security, and a full bar.
On Friday, January 29, 2021, ALE and Cumberland County ABC executed a search warrant which yielded the seizure of cash, malt beverages, spirituous liquor, illegal controlled substances, and two handguns, one of which was stolen from South Carolina. The manager, Gregory Davis Jr, 41, of Fayetteville, was charged with:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Maintaining a Business for the use of Controlled Substances
- Sell / Possess Alcoholic Beverages for Sale without the Applicable ABC permit
- Unauthorized Possession of Spirituous Liquor
- Simple Possession of Marijuana
The following night, ALE and Cumberland County ABC executed a second search warrant at 610 Cedar Creek Road for the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages. Special agents received information of a party where attendees pre-paid for tickets and were provided Jell-O shots and pre-mixed drinks upon entry. Special agents seized over 200 Jell-O shots and the organizer, Fadil Walker, 32, of Fayetteville, was charged with possession of alcoholic beverages for sale without the applicable ABC permit.
Derwin Brayboy, ALE Special Agent in Charge for the Southeastern District said, “ALE will continue to investigate illegal nightclubs in, and around, the Fayetteville area to deter acts of violence and ensure compliance with the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control laws.”
Additional arrests are expected this week.
###