Minnesota's Largest Candy Store Owner Charged Over Liquor-Filled Candy - FOX 9

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store Owner Charged Over Liquor-Filled Candy – FOX 9

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Robert Wagner thought he could sell liquor-filled candy without a permit, but investigators with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety say that mistake now carries a gross misdemeanor charge.

fox9.com reported that the criminal case against the 66-year-old owner of Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store in Jordan unfolded after an anonymous tip triggered a state investigation into sales practices at the popular roadside attraction.

The July 1 complaint alleged that the store sold alcoholic confections and failed to check IDs, according to additional reporting by kaaltv.com. Undercover agents visited the business on July 22 and discovered an entire section dedicated to liquor-infused sweets.

Minnesota's Largest Candy Store owner charged over liquor-filled candy

Investigators purchased two specific items during the undercover visit. According to kaaltv.com, they bought Asbach Pralinen Brandy Cherries, which contain 7.3 percent brandy, and Goldkenn Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Swiss Chocolate, featuring a liquid syrup center with 3.58 percent alcohol by volume.

While many boxes carried warnings that sales to minors are unlawful, the complaint noted that the store processed the alcohol-filled items through the exact same checkout procedure as standard candy. Investigators executed a search warrant later that afternoon and confronted Wagner, who acknowledged he knew about the products and believed the store was cleared to sell its remaining stock.

Minnesota's Largest Candy Store Owner Charged Over Liquor-Filled Candy - FOX 9
Photo: kaaltv.com

Customers expressed mixed reactions to the discovery inside the massive retail destination. “I feel like that is something you should know as someone who runs a candy store,” customer Liam McSteen told fox9.com. Another shopper, Eva Jackson, noted that children assume everything on the shelves is safe to consume.

Wagner faces up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine if convicted on the gross misdemeanor charge of selling alcoholic beverages without a license. Court records show his first appearance is scheduled for December 18.

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