Lee County man arrested on multiple counts of selling alcohol to minors
Arrest comes after long-term investigation by TABC
AUSTIN — A Lee County convenience store clerk was arrested June 14 and charged with multiple counts of selling alcohol to minors following an investigation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Deepak Sidgel, 39, was booked into the Lee County Jail on four counts of Sales of Alcohol – Minor. He was later released after posting a $7,500 bond. Sidgel’s place of employment, Lexington Food Mart, 8889 N. Highway 77 in Lexington, has been the subject of multiple TABC investigations for improper alcohol sales. Sidgel, who has been arrested previously in connection with one of those investigations, now faces a total of five counts of selling alcohol to minors.
“Any resident with information on illegal alcohol sales at a business is asked to contact TABC,” said Maj. Oliver Johnson of TABC’s Central Texas regional enforcement office. “Public involvement is critical when it comes to identifying businesses that place the community’s safety at risk. Tips from the public play a major role in holding businesses accountable and keeping Texans safe.”
Businesses that sell alcohol to any person younger than 21 could face a fine or suspension of their license to sell alcohol, with repeat violations resulting in a permanent cancellation of the business’s liquor license. Employees of the business who sell alcohol to minors could also face a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and one year in jail.
Anyone with information on the ongoing case is asked to contact TABC by emailing complaints@tabc.texas.gov or calling 888-THE-TABC.
Media Contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Public Information Officer
(512) 206-3462