Couple accused of bootlegging seeks funds for defence

EDMONTON A Calgary couple arrested and charged with selling liquor without a licence in Idaho are now back in Canada and raising money for their trial.

Jonathan Bray and his wife, Cindy, were arrested by undercover agents in Idaho in February.

They were charged with selling liquor without a licence and criminal conspiracy, according to court documents on the Idaho government website.

It was reported that the Brays, who run a business specializing in scotch whisky and rum, were trying to sell 100 boxes of scotch from a storage container.

They allegedly told undercover agents that they were unable to bring the liquor into Canada due to trade regulations and were instead hoping to sell it in Idaho.

The couple was released from custody in mid-march, according to an update posted by Jonathan on Gofundme.

“We were given our Canadian passports and were able to return home,” he wrote, adding that they quarantined for the required two weeks when they arrived.

“Everything has been impacted by this situation including our business and especially our financial situation for not only paying to fight this case but also for necessities that could include food, living expenses and anything else that we may need.”

In a news release, the Brays say that the alcohol they were “redirecting

to some of their customers” had been brought into the U.S. legally, and that all duties and taxes were paid.

According to the couple, the alcohol that was sold to undercover agents was product that had been ordered and then cancelled by U.S. customers who were unwilling to wait for a shipping delay.

The Gofundme page has a goal of $45,000 and has raised $1,275 so far.