A Racine tavern operator has been charged with three crimes related to unlawful purchasing of alcohol.

65-year-old Carl Stewart of Racine, was charged by the Racine County District Attorney's Office on Friday, February 10, with two misdemeanor counts of unlawful purchases of fermented malt beverages by a retailer and one misdemeanor count of unlawfully purchasing intoxicating liquor from a retailer.

Stewart faces up to $30,000 in fines and 18 months imprisonment.

The criminal complaint alleges that Stewart has routinely purchased intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages from retailers and not wholesalers, contrary to Wisconsin State Statute and licensing requirements. According to Wisconsin law, retailers who engage in alcohol sales must purchase their alcohol products from authorized wholesalers.

Stewart operates the Tropical Paradise located at 1600 Douglas Avenue in Racine.

The charges brought against Stewart were the result of investigation and referral by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's Office of Criminal Investigation, Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit.