Kent business shut down for buying stolen alcohol, creating theft shopping lists

An illegally run business in Kent has been shut down after a months-long investigation revealed the business had been purchasing stolen alcohol from other Kent stores.

A Kent Police Department (KPD) investigation began after a tipster reported the two business owners of the Golden Steer Restaurant, a 35-year-old Federal Way woman and a 33-year-old Kent man, were purchasing stolen alcohol, KPD announced.

The months-long investigation uncovered there was a pattern in the business’s behavior which confirmed that the stolen products were being used within the restaurant.

Kent business owners paid for stolen goods

KPD gathered evidence that indicated the two suspects had produced lists of preferred items that others would steal, and the business owners would pay significantly reduced prices for the stolen products.

Police executed a search warrant and arrested the two suspects for eight counts of criminal solicitation, along with possession of stolen property, and buying liquor illegally.

KPD seized $3,000 worth of stolen high-end liquor, and pounds of stolen catfish, which was frozen and still housed in its original store packaging.

The business was operating without a license and is currently closed.

“We would like to thank the City of Kent Legal team, Liquor Control Board, our Kent Police Evidence team, and Fred Meyer for their critical assistance during the investigation and service of the search warrant,” KPD stated.

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