Napa Winery Salesman Charged in Bribery Scheme: DA

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A federal grand jury has indicted a Napa Valley winery salesman and five high-level executives at Southern Glazer, one of the nation's top alcohol distributors, for their roles in a bribery scheme involving a large chain grocery store. The executives allegedly bribed someone assigned to buy alcohol for Albertsons in order to purchase certain brands and exclude others, concealing the bribes through fake invoices.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of corruption and bribery in the alcohol distribution industry, where major players are willing to engage in illegal activities to gain a competitive advantage. It raises concerns about the integrity of the supply chain and the potential for consumers to be misled about the products available to them.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, the executives at Southern Glazer and the Napa Valley winery salesman, Michael Sean Salene, bribed the head alcohol buyer for Albertsons with prepaid gift cards, luxury items, golf trips, and exercise equipment. They then concealed the bribes by creating fake invoices to make the items appear as legitimate business expenses. When investigators questioned Salene about the scheme, he lied to them.

• On Wednesday, a federal grand jury indicted the five Southern Glazer executives and the Napa Valley winery salesman.

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the defendants out on bail at a hearing on Tuesday.