Crash linked to underage drinking party

PRINCES LAKES, Ind. (WISH) - An underage drinking party in Johnson County put a teacher in trouble with the law.

Police said Jennifer Devine hosted a drinking party to celebrate before her daughter left for college. They acknowledge she took precautions, but she still broke the law.

Police showed up at Devine's home after a serious accident involving two 17-year-olds. The teens told police they had been drinking at a party at Devine's home.

"The parent apparently took all the keys from the kids when they came to the door and carded them to ensure they were over the age of 18," said Johnson County Prosecutor Brad Cooper.

According to the police report, Devine told the officer that, "she thought she was doing the responsible thing by making sure everyone was at least 18 years old and taking their keys as they arrived."

"Whether it's the right thing or not is up for debate, but it's a violation of the law," said Cooper.

Devine faces a Class C infraction. If she is found guilty she will have to pay a fine and court costs.

"Because all the kids that were located in this house were over the age of 18 and brought their own alcohol, according to everybody that was involved, is a charge called inducing a minor to possess alcohol," said Cooper.

Many of the underage kids were still at the house when police arrived. They are charged with illegal consumption or possession of alcohol by a minor, which is a misdemeanor.

Devine is a teacher at Holy Cross Central School in Indianapolis, but the prosecutor said her position has no influence on the charge against her.

24-Hour News 8 was unable to reach Devine and Holy Cross Central School for a comment.