State of Florida declines "Bootlegger" prosecution of Liquor Group and Happy Vodka founder C.J. Eiras

Jacksonville, FL - May 15, 2014   

The State of Florida declines prosecution of Liquor Group and Happy Vodka founder C.J. Eiras, following his arrest in August 2012.  Eiras was initially charged with 70 felony counts by the Alcohol Beverage & Tobacco (ABT) Division of the State of Florida, set with a $2.25Million Dollar bond and faced more than 100 years jail time. 

The Division Chief of the State Attorney Office Mr. Dan Skinner handled the case from inception due to the largess of the charges and the magnitude of the bond requested by the State.  Hours after the arrest, Eiras was bonded out of jail and State records show that there was never any court hearings held in the case after his bonded release. 

In the final Statement filed by Skinner with the Court notes: "After reviewing the evidence in the above styled case, the undersigned Assistant State Attorney declines to prosecute this defendant (Eiras) for these charges, and any civil charges..."  This puts to rest the claims that Eiras was a "bootlegger" and operating a business avoiding taxes on alcohol.

Eiras, a successful philanthropist and well known figure in the alcohol industry states that he is "pleased that the State Attorney office took the time to carefully review the evidence and facts to determine that there was no wrong doing on my part."   Attorney Mitch Stone whom represented Eiras in this case held a press conference to exonerate Eiras and to clear the air on the charges that are now dismissed. 

For more information contact Info@LiquorGroup.com