34 NJ Teens Busted At After-Prom Drinking Party

Thirty-four New Jersey teens were arrested this weekend at an after-prom party that offered plenty of alcohol, police said.

Police in Saugerties, New York, which is about 100 miles north of the New Jersey state line, arrested a group of high school students Friday who were between the ages of 17 and 19. Police did not identify the teens.

The bust happened in the 100 block of Manorville Road in Saugerties at a house that had been rented to a group of high school students from Wallington, police said in a release.

Saugerties police said they were contacted at 8:20 p.m. Friday by a West Saugerties Road resident who was complaining about loud music coming from the rental home about a half-mile away.

Police responded to Manorville Road and heard the music and found a number of the teens who were drinking.

The teens were charged with underaged drinking in violation of the New York State Alcohol and Beverage Control Act, police said. They were also issued appearance tickets for Saugerties Town Court.

The investigation is continuing, and further criminal charges are pending.

Students who were at the party told ABC7 that the prom was held Thursday in Clifton and that it was supervised by teachers and chaperones. On Friday, multiple homes were rented in Ulster County, New York, for more partying.

The teens said the officers ordered them to empty the bottles, and then authorities gave them citations. One student told ABC7 that many of the kids didn't drink and no one was given a breathalyzer.

An unidentified girl, however, told the station that she did drink at the party, and she got a ticket. Her mother is furious with her, she said.

Police Chief Joseph Sinagra said he wanted to remind people that, as prom and graduation season approaches, "it is illegal to host parties that provide alcoholic beverages to individuals less than 21 years of age, and further, homeowners can and will be charged under the Ulster County Social Host Law."

Patch file photo