By William Moore
Daily Journal
TUPELO – The Friday night raid of a party in Mooreville uncovered more than 70 underage individuals, the presence of drugs and alcohol, and led to the arrest of both adults and minors.
Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson said his office first learned of the party from callers who alerted them to postings on social media that not only gave the location, but also encouraged people to attend. The ad described a 17th birthday party with a band to take place on County Road 1451, Mooreville.
After a neighbor called complaining about loud music, deputies went to the house and explained the situation to the homeowner. The deputies said they knew about the social media ad and explained what would happen if any illegal activity was discovered on the property.
Around 11:30 p.m., deputies said they pulled over a car for a routine traffic stop. Inside were three people under the age of 21, as well as alcohol and drugs. After it was confirmed that the three had allegedly just left the party, deputies responded again to County Road 1451.
Deputies found more than 50 vehicles parked along the side of the road. Johnson said several were blocking lanes of traffic, several were stuck and all of them were unoccupied.
“We were met at the road by the homeowner, who was the same person we had warned earlier,” said Johnson. “The homeowner was attempting to push several people out of the ditch in front of her home. It was determined she had been drinking herself.”
According to Johnson, more than 100 people attended the party, ranging in age from 15 to over 40. More than 70 of the party guests were under the age of 21. Drugs, paraphernalia and alcohol reportedly were present. Two firearms were found on people who attended the party.
As a result, several juveniles were arrested and taken to Lee County Juvenile Detention Center and several vehicles were towed at the owner’s expense.
“The homeowner was charged with 97-5-49. Social Hosting Law,” said Johnson. “This law allows law enforcement to charge any person responsible for hosting a party that allows underage persons to possess or consume alcohol. The person responsible cam be charged for each underage person found on property.”
The charge carries up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail on each count. Since the charge is a misdemeanor, Johnson did not release the name of the homeowner, but he plans to pursue the charges.
“If you host a party like this, there will be repercussions,” said Johnson.
william.moore@journalinc.com
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