Main Line Attorney Charged With Running Upscale Wine Smuggling Operation
MALVERN, Pa. (CBS) – A Main Line attorney is charged with running a high-end wine smuggling operation out of his Malvern home.
Arthur David Goldman, 49, reportedly sold the wines from his home without a liquor license.
Officials say they initiated an investigation using an undercover officer after receiving a tip that Goldman was selling high-end wine not available through Pennsylvania Wine and Spirit Stores. Goldman reportedly said to that officer, "How do I know you aren't an agent for the PLCB?" before providing a 97-page list of wines that were available for sale either from his personal wine cellar or by order. Goldman also had an email mailing list of people he'd illegally sold or offered to sell wine to that he frequently updated as new wines became available.
On Jan. 6th, officers executed a warrant at Goldman's Malvern home, where they seized 2,426 bottles of wine valued between $150,000 and $200,000.
First Assistant District Attorney Michael Noone stated, "The defendant imported a collection of high-end wine that included over two thousand bottles. He made those wines available for sale to his own private list of customers knowing that it was illegal. This was not some casual exchange of wine between friends - - the defendant was running a highly organized, high-volume illegal business operation to make money."
Goldman is now charged with multiple upgraded misdemeanors and could face a fine of nearly $200,000 if convicted.