Moonshiners’ Mark and Digger: Caught in the Act, but Still Defying the Law

The Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners has captivated audiences since 2011 with its gritty portrayal of Eric “Digger” Manes and Mark Ramsey, best friends and business partners who navigate the perilous world of illegal moonshine production in the Appalachian Mountains. Their craft, steeped in tradition, is undeniably risky—not just for its physical dangers but for its blatant illegality in Tennessee. Fans of the show, now in its 14th season as of August 2025, have long marveled at how Digger and Mark openly showcase their illicit activities on national television without facing immediate arrest. The question on everyone’s mind: Has Digger finally been busted? A past encounter with law enforcement and their ongoing defiance reveal a complex dance with danger, where the line between tradition and transgression is razor-thin.

Moonshining, the art of distilling high-proof liquor, is illegal when done outside licensed operations, a fact that adds a thrilling edge to Moonshiners. Digger, mentored by the legendary Popcorn Sutton, carries forward a craft rooted in Appalachian heritage. “It’s authentic,” Mark told WHSV TV in 2017, emphasizing the cultural weight of their work. Yet, the legality of their actions hangs over them like a storm cloud. “What we do, we can’t permit ourselves to be found by the law because it is very much against the law,” he admitted. The show’s production cleverly mitigates this risk by filming in April, when lush foliage conceals still sites deep in the woods, and airing episodes months later, rendering evidence inadmissible. “If police aren’t involved in the recording process, they can’t use that against us,” Mark explained, highlighting the legal loophole that keeps them one step ahead.

Despite their precautions, Digger and Mark have had close calls with the law, one of which was detailed in a “Moonshiners: Believe It or Not” segment. The duo recounted a chilling incident at a rented warehouse near a pristine limestone spring, ideal for moonshine production. “It was right next to one of the finest springs we know of,” Digger said, setting the scene. One winter day, a loud knock echoed through the warehouse. “Bam, bam, bam—you know how a metal garage door sounds—it scared the piss out of you,” Digger recalled. When the door rolled up, they faced the chief of police and two officers. “All the wind went out of Mark’s self,” Mark admitted, describing the gut-wrenching moment. “You automatically think the worst. We’re guilty by association.” Digger added, “You don’t think, ‘Can I run?’ because they’ve got you. They’re watching all corners.”

This brush with law enforcement wasn’t an isolated incident. “We’ve had little brushes with the law many times,” Digger revealed. “We’re a country town, but our law enforcement officers are top-shelf. They’re sharp. They think like we do. I’m certain we’re being watched.” The duo’s candor underscores the constant tension of their trade. While they escaped arrest in this instance, the encounter left them shaken. “We’re not in handcuffs right this second, but honestly, we don’t know what our future holds,” Mark said. Digger echoed this defiance: “We know what we’re doing—there’s a risk. But if you live in fear all your life, you’re going to stay at the damn house and never accomplish anything.”

Adding complexity to their story is their legitimate business venture with Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they produce legal moonshine. This partnership, established in 2015, has bolstered their reputation, with products like Mark & Digger’s Hazelnut Rum gaining popularity. However, their off-camera moonshining in the backwoods remains a legal gray area. “As for law enforcement, we don’t know where we stand,” Digger confessed. “We wonder every day if this is the day they’re going to knock on our door.” This duality—operating both within and outside the law—fuels speculation about their vulnerability to arrest.

The question of why Digger and Mark haven’t faced severe consequences for their televised activities has sparked debate among fans. Some argue the show is staged, citing the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s 2012 statement that no illegal liquor is produced on Moonshiners. “If illegal activity was actually taking place, the Virginia ABC would have taken action,” the agency noted. Yet, Digger and Mark insist their craft is real, with strategic filming and delayed broadcasts protecting them. The Appalachian setting, with its dense forests, further complicates law enforcement’s ability to catch them in the act, as physical evidence is hard to secure months after production.

As of August 2025, no definitive reports confirm recent arrests of Digger or Mark, despite rumors fueled by Season 14’s dramatic teasers showing them in handcuffs. A January 2025 post on their shared Facebook page emphasized their ongoing work with Sugarlands, suggesting they remain free. However, their past encounter at the warehouse proves they’ve been caught before, narrowly escaping charges. The uncertainty of their future looms large, as does their commitment to a craft they see as a way of life. For Digger and Mark, moonshining is more than a risky hustle—it’s a legacy worth fighting for, even if it means staring down the law.