"Moonshiners" Reality TV Star Convicted For Sawed-Off Shotgun

I cancelled cable television several years ago due in part to the high cost of dozens of channels dependent on cheap and voyeuristic reality television that simply wasn’t worth paying to watch. One of those reality shows I didn’t miss was Moonshiners on the Discovery Channel, which featured an idiot named Tickle.

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How do I know he’s a idiot?

Because of this.

A Blairs man known for his role on a Discovery Chanel reality television show has been convicted of possessing an illegal firearm.

Steven Ray Tickle, 39, known from the “Moonshiners” television series, was found guilty in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court on Thursday of possession or use of a sawed-off shotgun or rifle. There was no evidence that Tickle used the gun; however, under Virginia law, being found with the weapon is a crime.

Pittsylvania Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Haskins said Tickle was found in possession of the sawed-off shotgun during a traffic stop July 12. He was stopped because a headlight on his black Dodge truck was out.

Cpl. T.W. Eanes of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office conducted the traffic stop and discovered that Tickle’s driver’s license was suspended. Eanes said in court that he could see the weapon inside the truck.

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So he had a weapon that was clearly illegal under the National Firearms Act in plain view, in a vehicle with a headlight out, while driving on a suspended license. It does not appear, coincidentally, that he was charged for a federal offense.

While Tickle has been convicted he has not yet been sentenced. It is probable that his television career is over, unless they can get clearance for a new and even more disturbing show, Tickle In Prison.

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