Big Underage House Party Busted In Hopatcong: Police

HOPATCONG, NJ — Hopatcong police broke up a house party where up to 75 underage people were drinking Thursday morning, police said. It was the second big house party at the Harris Ave home in the past two weeks.

Police first broke up a 100 person house party last weekend at 8 Harris Ave. Party-goers were parked "all over the road" and the host, 18-year-old Desmond Harris-Lugo didn't know most of them, police said.

Just after midnight on August 3, police broke up a second, slightly smaller party at the same home. 75 young adults were drinking at the house, police said, and Lugo was inside serving alcohol.

Lugo allegedly told police there were no family members home, when an underage sister was also home. Police say it was unclear where his parents were.

A 16-year-old older sister arrived after police cleared the property, police said.

Lugo was charged with serving alcohol to minors, making property managed by him available for the consumption of alcohol to minors, giving false information to a law enforcement officer.

Hopatcong Capt. Tom Kmetz said small parties can turn into huge gatherings thanks to social media publicity. They ask all residents, particularly those on Harris Ave, to alert police if they believe a party is taking place.

"Call us right away so we can end the parties before people become victims," he said.

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