Milton man arrested for allegedly running moonshine still on his property

A Milton man is facing felony charges for allegedly having a moonshine operation on his property.

A Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco agent was contacted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in September after authorities found a moonshine still while on John Braxton Ward's property to investigate an alleged narcotics violation that was unrelated to Ward.

Ward, 52, told officers at the time that he "used it to make a little whiskey," and it only makes a gallon.

In early October, ABT agents and the FWC went to Ward's home and found water jugs with dates written on them and hoses coming from the top. The report states there were also several empty bottles of liquor, three of which were clean; a grinder with corn nearby; and two gas burners, all of which the officer said are used to make moonshine.

More: Private investigator's murder suspect charged with stealing $13k from Azalea's jukebox

The officers also found two kegs with fabricated tops and holes drilled in the side.

The officers seized all the items as evidence, and allegedly found residue inside the two water jugs. Two of the kegs were charred on the bottom, the report states.

Ward was charged with one count of possession, sale or manufacture of still material liquor, a third-degree felony.

He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail on Nov. 8 and was released the next day. Court records do not show an attorney representing Ward.