But according to Penny Parker, the "former owner of the Capitol Cigar at 919 E. Colfax Ave. ended up owing Engleberg some money," so Engleberg "bought the business and birthed a new career."
What the bit doesn't mention is how the man who formerly owned the high-end tobacco retailer earlier this year was caught selling meth and other drugs from the 4,000 square-foot storefront, then called What's Knot to Love.
From the March 27 story I did on the subject:
Police began conducting undercover stings on the location after receiving tips that Rosen was secretly selling weed and meth along with cigars. Sources familiar with the store tell Westword that the basement was often used as an after-hours spot for all-night parties. Officers posing as customers made several drug purchases from Rosen, according search warrants filed for the property. Police also raided Rosen's house at 51 South Harrison Street and discovered several marijuana plants, cocaine, meth and $10,000 in a suitcase.
No wonder those stogies made me so jumpy.
Rosen was charged with fifteen felony drug counts. According to court records, he posted a $75,000 bond and had an arraignment hearing in October.
Though the angry comments on my earlier post indicate that Rosen has no shortage of haters, plenty of folks have told me how much they loved the Colfax location for actual cigar smoking. So let's light one up for Engleberg's new career.