An employee at Whisky River was arrested as he arrived for work Tuesday night at the EpiCentre bar in uptown.
Anthony Ortega Rodriguez, who worked security at the front door, was arrested on warrants for selling cocaine to undercover detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
According to a press release, Rodriguez's arrest was the culmination of an investigation that began after CMPD received complaints about drugs being sold inside the bar.
At the time of his arrest, officers found 12 bags of cocaine totaling 15 grams in his pocket.
Bob Durkin, president of Bar Management Group, which runs the bar for owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., said Rodriguez is no longer employed.
"We are definitely shocked by the whole thing," Durkin said. "We go through extensive background checks on everyone we hire."
Durkin also said BMG has a zero tolerance policy for drugs in its bars, requiring employees to sign a form saying they will not bring drugs on the premises and to report employees who do.
"We take as many steps as we can," Durkin said. "Unfortunately, we had one bad seed."
33 comments:
"one bad seed"??? haha yeah right. Whisky River isn't the only bar where this kind of stuff goes on. EVERY bar in uptown (with the exception of a few higher class places) have this same thing going on. Its just that this guy was caught...
Arrest. A really, REALLY BIG fine for his evil deeds! Long time in jail. Deportation? In the words of Staples office supplies: That was easy!
Or ... the pusher's attorney plea-bargains with dip-stick Char-Meck D.A. Peter Gilchrist and the guy is back on the streets in less than a week, working somewhere else. (Gee, THAT was stupid!)
Extensive background check...I highy doubt it.
Sure, the "higher class places" never have any drugs....
This isn't news, drugs are bought and sold every night in bars and clubs uptown. Anyone who views this story as a shock definitely needs to get out more...
This shouldn't reflect poorly on Whisky River or any other bar where it may go on. It's impossible for a business owner to monitor every action of every employee non-stop. Anyone who is shaking their head disapprovingly has never had employees or run a bar before.
You do the best you can to screen your people in advance, treat them well, and hope they don't screw up. Unfortunately bad stuff will happen from time to time.
You can find anything you want at ANY place you go...it doesn't matter if its high class, low class or your own office. If people think this is news, then they need to get their heads out of the sand.
Extensive background check probably goes something like this... if hit in the head with a bottle can you keep beating a guy in the face... check... when entering the bar do you have to turn sideway because of your huge stature... check... can you bench press more than a small volkswagon bug... check.
A REAL reporter writing Paid to Party. This is so nice. Do you want to moonlight and do the Political Commentary as well? We might read something more than the daily inaugural ball plan update...
Drug's are everywhere! Look at the individual sitting next to you and walking down the hall. The US is drug heaven and 15/grams will get you sent to "Time-Out"; this will give the individual enough time to figure how you got caught. Drugs dominate the club scene just like alcohol, so put a tax on it and let's "party"!
Bob Dirkin talking about "one bad seed " is the funniest thing I've heard all year!
In fairness to the Whisky River comments about doing background checks, Rodriguez had no prior arrests in Mecklenburg County. Google 'MCCJIS' and search his name if you don't believe me.
Glad he is off the streets, his cocaine was weak.
12 bags totaling 15 grams...at least the bags were fat....
About the 3:14 comment - there is no evidence that Rodriquez is undocumented. Please remember that not every person with a Spanish last name is undocumented.
He is probably an American citizen! Just because my name is Irish doesn't mean I eat potatoes and work as a maid! Get a life!
Why do person think that everytime a hispanic get arrest is that he has to be a mexican or ilegal, he a us citzen for those who don't know. It seem like everybody loves to jugde other and not look at them self first. What's really funny, is for a club owner to say that their is zero tolerance of drug in their club, well that bull, because their are drugs coming into the clubs in every forms. You could search all you want, be there is always someone who's bring it in, just like the jails.
Holy crap check out that post above mine. Is there a font option called "crayola?"
Charlotte has the growth needed to get somewhere but this kind of small time mentality is going to hold this city down. This isn't news worth printing. Small time drug sales are nothing compared to the assaults, murders, and robberies of citizens in this city. The police need to get a grip and try to use all this great police work to figure out some of the unsolved murders and disappearences and breakins. Get your priorities straight! Who cares about recreational drug use. Most doctors push more crap on people than this kid could.
This isn't news worth printing. Why can't the police focus on real crimes like murder, assault, and rape. Who cares if you want to casually use drugs. Doctors don't.
Dale Jr wasn't so smart jumping in bed with a copany like that. If he knew 5% of what went on at that bar after hours he would lose his mind!
If you are a bar owner who isn't at the bar a whole lot I can understand not knowing what's going on all the time with your staff. If your a manager and you don't know what's going on you are either stupid or a huge liar who probably works at Whiskey!
I just want to said to the people who thinks that every one here in the US with an spanish name or last name is an ilegal or like some other people said undocumented please educate your self about this topic because you sound like an idiot when you make a coment like that. "READ GET EDUCATED" learn about the world.
In a bar environment, any owner who honestly has a no tolerance policy makes every employee sign an agreement to submit random urine samples whenever asked. Chances are this guy would have turned positive on a random test, or else he would have just walked out and quit. Either way the owner is not embarrassed and does not have to go through the cover-your-a$$ dance.
dam! he was my dope man
Attention all:
Anthony Ortega Rodriguez = Mr Ortega or Mr Ortega Rodriguez
Anthony Ortega Rodriguez DOES NOT EQUAL Mr Rodriguez
Hmmmmm.... A Bouncer and a Drug Dealer? What a combination!
Cocaine is a helluva drug
I know Anthony but I don't know him that well. I worked with him at Epicentre but not at the same business. He's a nice guy but I'm not surprised. That was his only job so you had an idea that he might have been doing something on the side. Those security (bouncers) guys don't make any money and they deal with a lot of crap. Most of them have full time jobs.
You know, the county I live in, only checks for Iredell county, and not nationwide. He could have history elsewhere, and they at Whisky river wouldn't know it.
Of the estimated 4,000 drug related arrests in 2008, its funny how this is one of the only arrest which publicly announces where the accused is employed.
This Guy Was A TOTAL Jerk Anyway. Bouncers have this false sense of authority, DONT LET BOUNCERS USE PHYSICAL FORCE ITS BATTERY! CALL 911 AND PRESS CHARGES. free drinks for life....
Selling drugs is a crime anywhere you go but selling drugs at a "Night Club" is to insidious to believe. If walking the snow trail; I would suggest you better use caution. Higher class establishments understand things differently. It's always better to know your customers. Food for thought to next individual who will take Mr. Rodriguez place.
PS: Beef up the quality!
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