Popcorn Sutton was an East Tennessee moonshiner and one of the best known brewers of "white lightning" in the South. Often featured in various documentaries on the History Channel, Sutton's autobiography, Me and my Likker, was featured on Willie Nelson's website.Knoxville News Sentinel: Moonshiner ‘Popcorn’ Sutton may have committed suicide (March 16, 2009)
On March 16, 2009, Popcorn Sutton was found dead of an apparent suicide by his wife Pam. Official details and cause of death will be released on March 17, 2009.WBIR.com: Update: Parrotsville remembers legendary moonshine mogul (March 16, 2009)
Criminal Activities
In March of 2008, Popcorn Sutton's property was raided by authorities, who uncovered three 1,000 gallon distilleries and over 800 gallons of moonshine that he kept hidden in a shed and in a broken down school bus. Several firearms were also discovered.Knoxville News Sentinel: Moonshiner ‘Popcorn’ Sutton may have committed suicide (March 16, 2009) In January of 2009, Sutton was convicted on the moonshine and weapons charges and ordered to serve 18-months in federal prison, a sentence which he fought hard to get thrown out due to his failing health. There was even a group of over 1,500 supporters that signed a petition trying to keep him out of jail, but to no avail.Ashville Citizen-Times: 'Popcorn' Sutton dies (March 17, 2009)
Sutton's Death
On March 16, 2009, just four days before he was scheduled to begin serving his prison term, Popcorn Sutton was found dead by his wife Pam. Although the circumstances and official cause of death have not been released, initial reports and anonymous tips say Sutton's death was an apparent suicide.WBIR.com: Update: Parrotsville remembers legendary moonshine mogul (March 16, 2009)
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Fast Facts
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Full Name
Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton
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Birthdate
Age 62
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Birthplace
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Suite named after him at the Misty Mountain Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Maggie Valley, North CarolinaAshville Citizen-Times: 'Popcorn' Sutton dies (March 17, 2009)
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He recently produced and was featured in a local filmmaker's documentary called The Last One, which aired in 2008 on the Documentary ChannelKnoxville News Sentinel: Moonshiner ‘Popcorn’ Sutton may have committed suicide (March 16, 2009)
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Sutton was about to serve an 18-month term in federal prison for firearm possession and illegally brewing moonshineKnoxville News Sentinel: Moonshiner ‘Popcorn’ Sutton may have committed suicide (March 16, 2009)
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During the raid on his property, police found 3 stills, more than 800 gallons of moonshine and gunsKnoxville News Sentinel: Moonshiner ‘Popcorn’ Sutton may have committed suicide (March 16, 2009)
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Sutton told the courts he was in poor healthAshville Citizen-Times: 'Popcorn' Sutton dies (March 17, 2009)
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Sutton pleaded with the judge to allow him to die at home rather than prisonAshville Citizen-Times: 'Popcorn' Sutton dies (March 17, 2009)
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Over 1,500 people signed a petition to keep Sutton out of jailAshville Citizen-Times: 'Popcorn' Sutton dies (March 17, 2009)
