By Emily Darby Williams

A beer store sting operation this week landed three store clerks in Batesville Municipal Court.

“This alcohol sting was set up due to complaints from concerned parents. We have received reports that some stores are selling to minors,” said Batesville Police Department Captain Jimmy McCloud.
McCloud wrote in the report, “The Batesville Police Department used an undercover female to buy alcohol. The female was 18 years old and was wearing a body wire and video camera. The undercover female was given $10 and instructed to go in the store and attempt to buy a six-pack of beer. She was also told that if the clerk asked for identification she must show it and if they asked her age that she must be honest.”

McCloud said the undercover female was followed by him and Batesville Police Department Special Operations officers.

The undercover female entered Kangaroo at 630 Hwy. 6 East, Harry B’s and the drive thru at Batesville Express.

She purchased a six-pack of Bud Light from each store and was never asked for identification.

The three clerks charged were Angela Dees, Amanda Steele and Patricia Starkey.
Wednesday Judge Bill McKenzie fined each clerk $300 on misdemeanor charges of selling alcohol to a minor.

The National Alcohol Beverage Control Association was notified.

McCloud said the sting is not over and they will be working to stop local stores from selling alcohol to minors.