Further Charges Possible After Saturday Night Underage Drinking Party

Hamilton police on Monday said they continue to investigate charges under the state’s social host law in connection to an underage drinking party on Saturday night.

There was not a lot of information available about the party on Monday. Lt. Scott Janes said the case was still under investigation and more details would be released on Tuesday.

Janes said police made a traffic stop on Saturday night that led to the discovery of the party at on Highland Street. Backup for officers from several neighboring communities, including Ipswich, Topsfield and Wenham, was called at about 10 p.m., according to the Saturday evening police activity log.

All of the “juveniles and young adults” at the party were issued summons for being a person under 21 possessing alcohol. A few of them may face further charges, Janes said.

None of the names of those being charged were released on Monday. Janes said he did not have the exact number of people who were issued a summons, but it was several dozen.

Janes said that in court, prosecutors will likely recommend that those at the party settle the charges through juvenile diversion.

Nobody was hurt and medical attention was not needed for any of the partygoers.

The partygoers were all from out of town and Janes said he did not know how they knew each other or what brought them to Hamilton to party.

Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett - which holds parents responsible for holding underage drinking parties under their watch - and to also strictly enforce it.