MIDWAY, Pa. — Two men accused of making banana brandy moonshine at a Midway home appeared in court Thursday.
Matthew Kirks and Matthew Zirwas III allegedly had an ethanol moonshine distillery made from two beer kegs and copper pipes in a shed next to Kirks' home, investigators said.
According to police, this type of illegal operation is known to be highly explosive.
A Blackberry phone that displayed a Web page about making the moonshine was confiscated by police in April, as well as 11 Mason jars of the moonshine, seven Mason jars containing a blend of bananas and yeast, and other related items.
Both men were charged with reckless endangerment, illegally distilling alcohol without a license and other misdemeanor charges.
Some of the charges, including reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and a marijuana charge, were dropped during Thursday’s preliminary hearing.
The case will now head to trial.