Tougher Penalties Possible for Teen Drinking Party Hosts

POTOMAC, MD — In the wake of two Wootton High School graduates’ deaths in a car crash after a teen drinking party, a delegate from Montgomery County has proposed legislation that would double the fines and institute jail time for people who supply alcohol to underage drinkers.

Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo of Boyds is a former Montgomery County Police officer. He told WTOP that some parents believe they can provide a safe place for teens to drink, but underage parties can quickly spin out of control from a few guests to hundreds.

Kenneth Jay Saltzman, 49, of Potomac, pleaded guilty last month to furnishing alcohol to a minor. According to online court records, he was fined $2,500 for each criminal count, which is the maximum punishment.

Prosecutors say Saltzman held the June 25 party attended by Samuel Ellis, the former star quarterback at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Ellis, of North Potomac, was the driver in a crash that killed classmates Alexander Murk, 18, of Potomac and Calvin Jia-Xing Li, 18, of Rockville.

Fraser-Hidalgo’s bill would double the fine and include possible jail time, up to one year for the first offense and two years for the second offense for alcohol providers.

SEE ALSO:

• Potomac Party Host Pleads Guilty in Teen Drinking Case
• ‘This Must Stop’: Principal Tells Parents Hosting Teen Drinking Parties
• Teens Attended Underage Drinking Party Before Deadly Crash, Police Say (Updated)
• ‘It’s a Parent’s Worst Nightmare,’ Says Father of Teen Killed in Crash

Ellis was charged with two counts each of vehicular manslaughter and homicide by motor vehicle along with another count for causing life-threatening injuries while operating a vehicle intoxicated.

If found guilty, Ellis could serve up to 33 years in prison under Maryland law.