Moonshine Icon Busted Again

By Robin Murdoch WBIR-TV Knoxville

GREENE COUNTY, TN -- A local icon in the world of moonshine-making is busted again. Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton is under law enforcement scrutiny for the second time in a year.

He could face a stiffer penalty this time. He is facing federal charges. Back in July, a judge sentenced Sutton to $3,00 in fines and two years' probation.

"This is the first time we've ever hauled moonshine stills," said Supreme Towing owner David Brooks of Dandridge. "We've hauled cars, dead cows, stuff like that, but never a moonshine still."

It was one of Brooks' tow trucks that carried the stills out of Cocke County on Thursday night after the illegal liquor legend got nabbed again.

"Everyone around East Tennessee, I'm sure they've heard of Popcorn Sutton," said Sutton friend Nikki Parnell.

Sutton is known for his videotapes and has written books that teach his technique.

"Leave him alone," Parnell said. "Leave him alone. He's not hurting anyone. He's just making a living doing what he knows."

Agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) agents searched Sutton's home and two other properties on Thursday.

According to a press release, they found more than 850 gallons of moonshine, the ingredients needed to make it, and three large stills.

"I have never seen a still before in my life," Brooks said. "It's unreal."

Court records indicate an undercover ABC agent had been buying moonshine from Sutton for weeks. They eventually got enough information for this week?s raid.

"Undercover operations, surveillance operations, use of cooperating citizens--we will use any and all means to stop them," said James Cavanaugh, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Nashville Field Division.

"Moonshine is romanticized in folklore and movies," Cavanaugh said. "The truth is moonshine is a dangerous health issue and breeds other crime. That has not changed over the years."

The arrest is aimed at drying up the sale of untaxed liquor and putting one of the best in the field out of business.

"He is so nice. He's the sweetest man you could ever meet," Parnell said. "Take it easy on him."

Sutton faces four charges stemming from the bust. They range from manufacturing untaxed whiskey to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

He'll learn his bond at a federal court hearing later this month. For now, Sutton will remain in the Greene County jail.

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