Moorhead: Keplin Charged in Underage Beer Sale
MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Taylor Sonny James Keplin faces a gross misdemeanor charge following an alcohol compliance check.
Keplin, 32, is charged in Clay County District Court file 14-CR-26-2563.
The alleged sale happened on May 6, 2026, at Mick’s Office in Moorhead.
Prosecutors allege Keplin served alcohol to two adult buyers who were under age 21.
Compliance Check at Moorhead Bar
The complaint says Moorhead police conducted alcohol compliance checks at licensed businesses in Clay County.
Two adult buyers under age 21 assisted with the operation.
The buyers entered Mick’s Office at 10 8th Street South.
They sat at the bar and ordered two beers, according to prosecutors.
One buyer ordered a Bud Light.
The other buyer ordered a Coors Light.
The complaint identifies Keplin as the bartender who served the drinks.
Prosecutors allege Keplin poured both beers and gave them to the buyers.
The complaint says Keplin did not request identification from either buyer.
It also alleges he did not otherwise verify their ages.
The buyers then paid for the drinks using money provided by police.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Keplin is charged under Minnesota Statute 340A.503.
The law prohibits selling, bartering, furnishing, or giving alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21.
The complaint also cites Minnesota Statute 340A.702.
That law classifies the cited violation as a gross misdemeanor.
The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.
A fine of up to $3,000 is also possible.
Those are maximum penalties and do not represent a sentence against Keplin.
Minnesota Law Addresses Proof of Age
Minnesota law lists approved forms of identification for proving a person’s age.
The law also provides a defense involving reasonable, good-faith reliance on authorized identification.
However, the complaint alleges Keplin did not ask the buyers for identification.
Whether prosecutors can prove the charge will be decided through the court process.
Charge Remains an Allegation
The criminal complaint contains an allegation that has not been proven in court.
Keplin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was filed by summons rather than an order of detention.
Public case information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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