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GREENSBORO -- State investigators charged two Greensboro bar owners with mislabeling kegs of beer and representing them as more expensive brands.

David Edward Essa, 34, and Robert Christopher Martin, 35, both of Greensboro were each charged last week with three felony counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, according to a news release from the N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Division.

ALE Agents investigated the University General Store on Mendenhall Street, Spring Garden Bar and Pizzeria on Spring Garden Street and Westerwood Tavern on Guilford Avenue following complaints that employees were switching labels on beer kegs. Essa and Martin own and operate all three businesses, according to the release.

"Most retailers take seriously their responsibility not to fraudulently deceive consumers purchasing alcoholic beverages," said Alan Fields, district supervisor for Greensboro's ALE Office. "This is the first time in 20 years, I've heard complaints about switching brand labels."

In April, ALE Agents covertly ordered a keg of beer labeled with the Bud Light brand from an employee at the University General Store. They also obtained samples of the Bud Light on tap at the Spring Garden Bar and Pizzeria. Analysis of both samples indicated the beer was Busch Light in both cases.

The ALE investigation also revealed that employees at Westerwood Tavern were selling Keystone Light beer from a tap, but representing the product to consumers as Coors Light, a more expensive beer.

In addition to the criminal charges against Essa and Martin, administrative violation reports were submitted to the state ABC Commission against the businesses.