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Cincinnati Men Charged in Castle & Key Distillery Burglary

Damaged buildings at Castle & Key Distillery

Woodford County, Kentucky, September 25, 2025

News Summary

Three men from Cincinnati have been charged in connection with a burglary at Castle & Key Distillery in Kentucky. The suspects caused significant property damage and attempted theft during a chaotic crime spree that impacted multiple buildings. Police apprehended the men after they fled the scene, and while they have since posted bond, the investigation continues to locate a fourth suspect.


Cincinnati, OH — Three men from Cincinnati have been charged in connection with a burglary that occurred at the Castle & Key Distillery in Woodford County, Kentucky, on August 23. The accused are 20-year-old Christopher Collins, 19-year-old Justin Link, and 20-year-old Gabriel Rinier. This incident involved a chaotic crime spree that lasted for several hours and affected multiple buildings on the distillery’s expansive property.

During the break-in, the suspects used a ladder to gain access to various buildings, including a private home and two other structures. Reports indicate that the men not only trespassed but also committed acts of vandalism and theft. Specifically, they damaged a television in the home, leading to approximately $800 in damages. Additionally, they vandalized a delivery truck and stole a bottle of bourbon from a liquor storage trailer. The authorities noted that while trying to flee from the scene, the suspects attempted to steal a golf cart, which resulted in damage to the vehicle’s ignition system.

When police were alerted and arrived on the scene, the men fled in different directions. Collins and Link were eventually located hiding in nearby woods, while Rinier attempted to escape by crossing a river but later surrendered to law enforcement. In addition to the charges stemming from the burglary, both Collins and Rinier face charges for fleeing or evading police. Rinier was also charged with public intoxication.

In total, the three men face serious charges, including three counts of burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools. A fourth suspect, who was found passed out in a vehicle, was charged with a misdemeanor related to alcohol intoxication. Another person who was implicated has been identified through security footage but has not yet been apprehended.

Within eight days of their arrest, Collins, Link, and Rinier posted bond amounting to $15,000 each and are no longer in custody. This incident has garnered significant media attention, with reports describing the sequence of events as reminiscent of a “poorly rehearsed heist.”

The details of this burglary underscore the seriousness of the charges the suspects are facing and the potential consequences of their actions. With multiple counts of property damage, theft, and evading law enforcement, the legal ramifications could have a lasting impact on their lives.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to locate the fifth suspect, who remains at large. The public response to the incident has ranged from shock to amusement, as many commentators highlight the absurdity of the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at the Castle & Key Distillery?

A burglary took place on August 23, where three men broke into the distillery, causing property damage and stealing items.

Who are the individuals involved?

The suspects are Christopher Collins, Justin Link, and Gabriel Rinier, all from Cincinnati. There were two additional individuals, one found passed out in a car and one still at large.

What charges are the suspects facing?

They face multiple charges, including three counts of burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools. Collins and Rinier also face charges for fleeing police.

What damage was reported during the incident?

The suspects caused around $800 in damages to a television, vandalized a delivery truck, and stole a bottle of bourbon.

What happened after the burglary?

The suspects fled when police arrived. Collins and Link were found hiding in the woods, while Rinier surrendered after crossing a river. They were all released on bond soon after their arrest.

Key Features:

  • Burglary Date: August 23
  • Location: Castle & Key Distillery, Woodford County, Kentucky
  • Involved Individuals: 3 charged, 2 alleged accomplices (1 arrested, 1 at large)
  • Damages: Approximately $800 to property, various thefts
  • Charges: Multiple counts of burglary and criminal mischief
  • Current Status: Suspects released on bond

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Cincinnati Men Charged in Castle & Key Distillery Burglary

STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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