A teenager and their parents are facing criminal charges for hosting a party that led to an entire high school delaying in-person classes. The family from Sudbury, Massachusetts is being charged with violating the state’s social host law, NBC News reports.
Under the law, “whoever furnishes alcohol” to underage drinkers may face either a fine up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to a year, or both. The Sudbury police chief, Scott Nix, told NBC News the parents were charged in Framingham District Court and their child in Framingham Juvenile Court.
The gathering in question took place on September 12. In a press release, the town’s Board of Health announced that the police responded to a “large party involving approximately 50-60 Lincoln-Sudbury High School students.” According to the release, many students either fled or gave authorities false information.
Of the 32 names authorities collected, Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School principal Bella Wong said 13 were fake. Police reported that students were also not wearing masks nor practicing social distancing.
Nix told Daily News that there were signs of teens drinking and smoking marijuana at the party. He also said that several teens threatened violence against four officers who broke up the party.
At the time, no COVID-19 cases were connected to the event. The high school was supposed to open September 15 with a hybrid model of in-person classes and remote instruction. However, the school chose to go entirely remote for the following 14 days out of caution.
According to Boston 25, police have not released the family’s name because they are being threatened over phone, email, and social media.
Related Stories
Girl at College Party Brags About Having COVID in Viral Video
UNC Closed After Student Partying Causes Surge in COVID-19 Cases
Sudbury Parents Charged — Sources
Sudbury Board of Health Press Release
Boston 25: Two Sudbury parents and their child are facing charges after hosting party, breaking social host law
Daily News: Parents, Teen, Like to Face Charges After Party Forced Lincoln-Sudbury School to Switch to Remote Learning
Social Host Law