Farmers’ Cabinet Raided By Police, Owner Matt Swartz Arrested

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On Wednesday night, the Liquor Control Enforcement arm of the Pennsylvania State Police raided the Farmers’ Cabinet on Walnut Street and arrested co-owner Matt Swartz, according to police.

Squad Supervisor Frank Spera explains that the raid occurred because the Farmers’ Cabinet was allegedly selling liquor even though its liquor license had expired back in October.

Not long ago, I contacted the Farmers’ Cabinet to find out why they seemed to be selling liquor with an expired license. A manager told me that they had been granted temporary authority by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and that the certificate was posted at the front of the restaurant.

Later, Matt Swartz sent me the following email:

License has been renewed letter is in front if the restaurant taxes have been settled ….if you try to destroy my business on more time with lies you will be sued for slander ..just like the sherif sale 2 months ago … It’s all ready at the lawyer waiting for you to cross the line One more time …you just can’t say outlandish things and hid behind thats it only a “blog” and its ok …I really don’t know what your problem is with me considering I never even meet you….didn’t you run the same untrue story last year to….

But according to Spera, that renewal letter was a forgery. “He forged the temporary authority letter he was given last year for 2012,” claims Spera. “He went and just changed the year.”

According to Spera, police arrested Swartz on Wednesday night and seized the alcohol on the premises. Farmers’ Cabinet is allowed to remain open. They just can’t sell beer, wine or liquor, says Spera.

It’s not the first time that Swartz has been arrested. He previously spent several months in federal prison for wire fraud, according to court records.

The Farmers’ Cabinet could not be reached for comment, and Swartz did not reply to an email seeking comment, perhaps because he is still in custody.

UPDATE 12/19 4:35pm: The Farmers’ Cabinet is still open… as BYOB.

UPDATE 12/20: Farmers’ Cabinet Owner Matt Swartz Charged With Forgery and Conspiracy

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