Underage Drinking Arrests On The Rise Over Past Few Weeks

Lacey police officers are cracking down on anyone who provides liquor to teenagers or gives them a place to drink, Police Chief David A. Paprota said.

"The Lacey Township Police Department has responded to numerous parties over the past month involving the consumption of alcohol by teenagers as young as 14," the chief said.

Underage drinkers had to be taken to the hospital in three of the incidents, Paprota said.

Both juvenile and adult charges have been filed in connection with some of the incidents, he said.

On June 1, Officers Kymberly Gudgeon and Michael Eden responded to the 500 block of Dugout Court for a loud party. They arrested Alyssa Statile, Lanoka Harbor, for underage possession of alcohol. She was released at the scene, Paprota said.

Debra Fenton, the owner of the home where the party occurred, was issued a criminal summons for making property available to underage persons for the consumption of alcohol, the chief said.

"The Lacey Township Police Department will pursue charges against any person who either provides alcohol to underage persons or makes property available to underage persons for the consumption of alcoholic beverages," Paprota said.