MN Candy Store Owner Charged After Undercover Agents Find Alcohol-Laced Section

SCOTT COUNTY, MN — A 66-year-old Belle Plaine man who owns one of the state's best-known roadside attractions faces a gross misdemeanor charge after state investigators say his Jordan store sold liquor-filled candy without a license.

Robert M. Wagner, owner of Minnesota's Largest Candy Store, was charged Oct. 27 in Scott County District Court with one count of selling alcoholic beverages without a license or permit, KSTP reported.

The case started with an anonymous tip on July 1 to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division alleging that the store was selling candy containing liquor, including to a minor who was never asked for ID, according to the criminal complaint as described by the station. A records check showed the business had no liquor license.

Undercover agents visited on July 22 and found a section of the store devoted to alcoholic confections, the station reported. They bought a box of brandy-filled cherries and a Jack Daniel's-branded Swiss chocolate bar, then came back later that day with a search warrant. Wagner acknowledged to agents that the store isn't licensed to sell alcohol but said he was under the impression the candy was fine to sell.

If convicted, Wagner could face up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine, FOX 9 reported.

His first court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 18.