Prince George's County Liquor Board Director Tried to Sabotage Bribery Investigation: US Attorney

FBI raids liquor board, two liquor stores

A Maryland liquor board director prompted last week’s FBI raids by trying to sabotage the investigation, according to the U.S. attorney.

Prince George’s County Liquor Board Director David Son cooperated with the FBI investigation, wearing a wire for 11 months and providing hundreds of recordings.

Son's accused of negotiating bribe payments between elected officials, at least one lobbyist and liquor store owners, according to the FBI affidavit.

The FBI quickly wrapped up the investigation and raided the liquor board offices and two liquor stores Thursday because Son was informing targets about the investigation while still wearing a wire, the U.S. attorney said in court.

Most of the investigation centers around the passing of the Prince George’s County bill to have liquor sold on Sundays. Son is accused of paying officials to ensure the bill would pass and then accepting payment from store owners who wanted to make sure they got licenses.

In one recorded conversation, Son told an elected official, "We got you three," according to the affidavit. That means $3000, the FBI said.

Son then instructed the elected official to go to the men's bathroom, saying, “He's going to hook you up,” referring to Young Paig, owner of Central Avenue Liquors. Paig, who also was charged with bribery and conspiracy, allegedly paid the elected official money in connection to the Sunday sales bill.

When the elected official left the bathroom, Son said, "You know how we always stay true to our words, man," according to the affidavit.

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