Teens facing charges after DATE breaks up weekend house parties

Several teenagers have been charged after the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement broke up two parties over the the weekend.

The Divison of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement say they investigated two separate  house parties, one in Kent County and one in Sussex County.

In the first incident, Delaware State Police report that DATE assisted with responding to a complaint of a loud party, with underage drinking, on South High Meadow Drive, in Felton on Friday. According to the report, 30 underage people were found at the party, and DATE Agents arrested eight people for underage consumption of alcohol. Officials say the host of the party, 19-year-old Tess Dyott of Felton, was charged with providing alcohol to a minor.

DATE say they responded to the second party after they received a tip about an underage party where alcohol was being sold. Authorities say they received a search warrant and responded to the 8000 block of Railroad Avenue on July 9, in Lincoln. According to the report, 250 people were found at the party and dispersed shortly after DATE arrived. Officials say the host of the party, 19-year-old Elizabeth Draper of Lincoln, was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, providing alcohol to a minor, selling alcohol without a license, and several other violations of the liquor control act. A 17-year-old juvenile was also charged with underage consumption of alcohol.

Authorities say the individuals in both incidents were charged, and later released.

The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement reminds "parents and young adults that underage drinking has very serious consequences and is illegal, even if it is "supervised" by an adult.  Underage drinkers will often tend to drink to excess and are an even greater danger behind the wheel of a car.   40% of all alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes involve young drivers ages 16 -24. (Source: NHTSA)"
 

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