It's been a while since the United States apprehended a fugitive on this scale -- maybe not since Saddam Hussein was found crouching in his spider hole. Richard Goldstein of Hollywood and Charles Lennon of Coral Springs are accused of collaborating in a plot to steal the precious bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue, a damned fine whisky. Damned fine.
Last month, when the thief struck the Weston liquor store, we told you we wouldn't rest till a suspect was arrested. We made good on that promise, and there's little doubt that our exhaustive efforts (whiskey consumption) had helped bring Lennon and Goldstein to justice. You're welcome, Broward Sheriff's Office.
Because, yeah, technically it was BSO that made the arrest. News release after the jump.
The remaining suspect involved in a scheme to steal a rare bottle of whiskey from a Weston liquor store is now in custody.
Richard Goldstein, 43, turned himself in at the Broward Sheriff's Main Jail on Tuesday Dec. 2, after BSO detectives named him as a wanted suspect in the high-priced caper.
After the surveillance video of the theft was broadcast on local news outlets on November 6, Broward Sheriff's Office Detective Chris Anderson received several tips through Broward Crime Stoppers. Many of them identified the man on the video as Charles Lennon, 34. One of the calls was from a man who claimed to have the exclusive bottle of whiskey in his possession. The man said Goldstein gave it to him to sell at auction. On November 9, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label was handed over to the detective, who kept it safe and returned it to the thankful owner.
Goldstein told the detective he bought the rare bottle from a man at a local flea market. He denied knowing how the man had obtained it but knew he was getting a bargain. Further investigation revealed Goldstein was actually involved in the theft.
Lennon was arrested on Nov. 10 at a hotel in Coral Springs and is facing charges including grand theft and tampering with evidence. Goldstein has been charged with grand theft, dealing in stolen property and perjury.
