The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) announced on Mar. 20 that it has charged three individuals following an investigation into a fatal motor vehicle crash involving underage persons in Pitt County.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by ALE to address the provision of alcohol to minors, especially when such incidents result in serious injury or death. The agency routinely investigates the sources of alcoholic beverages provided to underage individuals in these circumstances.
According to ALE, special agents began their investigation after learning of a deadly collision on January 19 in Greenville that resulted in the death of the driver and serious injuries to a passenger, both under the age of 21. Investigators sought to determine whether alcohol consumption played a role in the crash. During their inquiry, agents discovered that before the incident, those involved had attended a private employee event at Main & Mill Oyster Bar and Tavern in Winterville, an establishment licensed by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
Agents collected evidence through video surveillance and witness interviews. Surveillance footage obtained via search warrant showed the underage individuals consuming alcoholic beverages at Main & Mill before leaving and subsequently being involved in the collision.
As a result of their findings, ALE agents secured arrest warrants for three employees: Davie Francisco Munoz (Owner), Maria Elena Munoz (Manager), and James Daniel West (employee). Charges include giving fortified wine, spirituous liquor, or mixed beverages to persons under 21 years old; failure to superintend an ABC licensed establishment; and allowing unlawful conduct on ABC licensed premises.
ALE said it will forward its investigative report to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission for review. The Commission will then decide if administrative action is warranted against Main & Mill Oyster Bar and Tavern, which could include fines, suspension, or revocation of its ABC permits.
