Speaking to the press on Friday, June 23, Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Camblos said two parents at a Crozet after-prom party where teens were drinking will not be charged. Camblos also underlined the County’s commitment to prosecuting teen drinkers and those who contribute to their delinquency.
The parents, whose names were not released, hosted a party at their home May 28 that resulted in the arrest of 17 high school students. But, Camblos said, the parents didn’t condone underage alcohol use—in fact, “these parents poured it out when they found it.”
“These parents did not provide alcohol like parents did several years ago,” Camblos said, referring to George and Elisa Robinson of Albemarle, who were sentenced to eight years in prison in 2003 for buying alcohol for a party for their 16-year-old son.
Teen drinking has been at the forefront in Albemarle since a crash killed 17-year-old Nolan Jenkins after a May 19 party. No parents were present when police arrested 11 teens after that incident.
Since then, the Albemarle School Board has debated whether it should expand its off-grounds alcohol policies, currently embedded in the athletics manual. It has also considered asking for legislation to allow police to release information about teen drinkers who are under 18.
The Albemarle Board of Supervisors has expressed interest in working with the School Board on alcohol policy. Camblos said his office will probably not get involved in the alcohol policy debate.
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