LOWNDES CO. – Last week, detectives with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office conducted an underage alcohol sales operation after receiving citizen complaints of high school age children buying alcohol.
During this operation, deputies visited forty retail store locations that sell alcohol and in seven of these locations, the detectives observed an employee sell alcohol to an underage person.
These employees were identified and warrants were taken for their arrest for the sale of alcohol to a minor.
On Wednesday, each of the persons turned themselves into the Lowndes County Jail and have since been released on bond.
The following individuals were charged with furnishing alcohol to a person under 21, reports stated:
 Nilesh Pramodbha Patel, 31 Food Mart 7215 Lakes Boulevard, Lake Park |
 Mitulkumar Mahendrabhai Patel, 31 Safeco 4460 Shiloh Road, Valdosta |
 Mayur Kumar Kiritbhai Patel, 22 Quick Mart 1111 Lakes Boulevard, Lake Park |
 Ketankumar Jayantibhai Patel, 31 RJ’s Food Mart 7415 Georgia Highway 376, Lake Park |
 Amber Nicole Griner, 19 Little River Groceries 8235 Georgia Highway 122, Hahira |
 Yogeshbhai Vasantbhai Mehta, 55 Stop N Go 1319 South Patterson Street, Valdosta |
 Mohammad Aran Warriach, 50 Big Foot Travel Center 1311 Georgia Highway 122, Hahira |
“This is just one part of our continued efforts to reduce underage alcohol consumption and prevent traffic fatalities involving our young people. Although we are encouraged that only seven of the businesses sold to a minor, we will continue to conduct these operations at random intervals. Our youth are to important not to,” said Sheriff Chris Prine.
Sheriff Prine also encouraged anyone with information about suspicious or illegal activities to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (229) 671-2950; or anonymous tips can be provided at (229) 671-2985 or on-line at www.lowndessheriff.com. The Sheriff’s Office is also accessible on Facebook.
