Bourbon Theft Ringleader Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

14:37 June 04, 2018
By: Elise Dalton

In recent news, the ringleader of a large-scale robbery exposed in 2015 is sentenced to 15 years in prison. Of the 10 men indicted in the crime, only Gilbert "Toby" Curtsinger will serve time for the stolen property. A long-running case, the community of Frankfurt, Kentucky finds closure from the scheme with Curtsinger's sentencing. Once an employee at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Curtsinger was the mastermind behind the theft of a quantity of aged liquor worth close to $100,000. According to investigators, the employee compiled a group of men from his recreational softball team to set up buyers and commit the robbery. Known as "Pappy Gate" throughout Kentucky for the exclusive and hard-to-find bourbons smuggled out of the distillery under a tarp and the disguise of Curtsinger's distillery t-shirt. Following a tip, investigators discovered hidden barrels of Wild Turkey on the man's property and the indictment followed. Toby Curtsinger accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty for the unlawful taking and receiving of stolen property. Those affected by the scheme are now making motions towards a proper disposal of the stolen property. 

Sign Up!

FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON DINING, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, THE ARTS & MORE!