Dentist dies from noxious moonshine

A dentist in Kentucky died from drinking poisonous moonshine, prompting a police investigation to determine the source of the high-proof liquor, according to a story published on December 19 in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.

Dr. J.L. Roark, who had a dental office in Central City, KY, and practiced there for “some time,” died on December 15. Two other unidentified people experienced serious illness after consuming the toxic illegally distilled alcohol. Police said the dentist had been drinking “heavily” but offered no other details about the incident, according to the story.

The investigation into Roark's death and the illnesses are under investigation. If authorities can determine the source of the moonshine, police will present the case to a grand jury to consider levying possible charges. The grand jury reconvenes in January, according to the news article.

Though people of legal drinking age can produce wine and beer at their homes for personal or family use, U.S. law prohibits anyone from making distilled spirits at home, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

Any person producing distilled spirits anywhere other than a plant qualified by the TTB may face serious U.S. charges that can result in prison time and fines if convicted, according to the department.