By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
The accused mastermind of a high-profile bourbon-stealing scheme in Central Kentucky has pleaded guilty in the case that garnered international attention.
Gilbert “Toby” Curtsinger led the plot to steal high-priced bourbon from a pair of Kentucky distilleries. He entered the plea Wednesday in Franklin County Circuit Court to charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.
The former 26-year Buffalo Trace distillery employee faces up to 15 years in prison.
The thefts included the pricey brands such as Pappy Van Winkle bourbon that was taken from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The thefts also targeted the Wild Turkey distillery.
Gilbert “Toby” Curtsinger
Franklin County Sheriff Pat Melton has estimated the recovered whiskey was worth at least $100,000.
Defense attorney Whitney Lawson said the plea deal was the best decision for her client and his family.
“This was a decision that was made by my client so that he can find some peace and some resolution to this,” she said. “He’s eager to get this over and behind him.”
Lawson also told reporters Curtsinger is not responsible for the 2013 “Pappygate,” as the case came to be called. “We are no better off today knowing who did that theft from Buffalo Trace then we were in 2013. That investigation, as far as I know, is still open.”
Melton responded in matter-of-fact fashion.
“We’re not looking for any more suspects. This brings closure to the case, after the next suspect. We’ve got one more to go.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Zach Becker said he wasn’t sure how to respond to Lawson’s comment.
“I know the case in which I indicted him and now convicted him. If you want to split hairs, that’s perfectly fine.”
The two distilleries involved are in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country and the thefts drew international attention.
Curtsinger, who worked on the Buffalo Trace loading docks, distributed the whiskey through a syndicate that included members of his recreational softball team, according to authorities.
He pleaded guilty to the theft and distribution of 28 bottles of Pappy Van Winkle family bourbons, about 20 cases of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon and about 20 cases of Eagle Rare bourbon, as well as barrels of Wild Turkey bourbon.
Curtsinger was charged after the Franklin County sheriff’s office received an anonymous tip that several missing Wild Turkey bourbon barrels were found hidden on his property.
Sheriff’s deputies obtained a search warrant and found barrels filled with bourbon behind an outbuilding on Curtsinger’s property. The barrels were sanded and spray-painted black on the tops and bottoms in what authorities said was an effort to remove the distiller’s marks.
Investigators solved not only whiskey thefts but a steroid-trafficking scheme. Inside the house, deputies found numerous firearms, anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, a large quantity of cash and needles to inject steroids.
Curtsinger on Wednesday also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the steroid operation.
Becker said he was pleased with the outcome of the case. “I think it’s fair to all the parties involved and would like to resolve the last remaining co-defendant sooner rather than later,” he said.
Eight people have pleaded guilty and one case is still pending. Most had agreed to testify against Curtsinger, prosecutors said. Sentences have been delayed pending resolution of the cases.
A final sentencing date was not scheduled because Curtsinger has agreed to testify against one remaining defendant, Mark S. Searcy of Lawrenceburg, who is accused of assisting in the theft of barrels from Wild Turkey distillery in Anderson County.
