The Justice Department has convened a federal grand jury as part of a criminal investigation into Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits, the venerable New York City wine merchant, according to former employees who have been contacted by the authorities. Last month, though, The New York Times reported that the store had not delivered large quantities of valuable wine to customers who had paid in advance. The Times also quoted former employees who believed Sherry-Lehmann was improperly selling clients’ rare bottles from a storage facility to other customers. The criminal investigation is being conducted by agencies including the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan, the Postal Service and the New York Police Department. Witnesses have been asked to appear before a federal grand jury in Manhattan later this month, the former employees said.

---

Persons: Sherry, Lehmann, Gilmer, Kris Green Organizations: New, New York Times, U.S, Postal Service, New York Police Department Locations: New York City, Manhattan, United States