SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Man charged with hosting underage drinking party

By charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
   A Monmouth Junction man was charged last weekend with hosting an underage drinking party at his Dunston Lane home, according to police.
   Officers responded to the home of Parth Patel, 21, of Dunston Lane in Monmouth Junction sy 1 a.m. June 3 on reports of a drinking party that included individuals under the age of 21, according to police.
   When they arrived, officers discovered 10-12 people under 21 drinking at the gathering, police said.
   ”We are investigating the incident and more charges may be filed,” Sgt. Jim Ryan said this week. “The parents (at the home) were apparently unaware of the illegal drinking.”
   Mr. Patel was issued a summons pending a court appearance due to the incident, Sgt. Ryan said.
   If convicted, Mr. Patel could face a fine of up to $1,000 and 30 days in the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick, Sgt. Ryan said.
   Those underage individuals attending the party could also be charged and could face penalties including fines and a loss of their driver’s licenses, Sgt. Ryan said.
   ”We are always mindful of underage drinking,” Sgt. Ryan said. “When you host a party, you are responsible if alcohol is there.”
   Last month, the department put out a statement warning residents of the special drinking and driving dangers brought on by the prom and graduation season.
   ”The months of April, May, and June are some of the most dangerous times for young drivers,” said Chief Raymond J. Hayducka in the statement.
   Chief Hayducka pointed to four crashes taking place in early May that police believe were the result of alcohol as an indication of the dangerous times.
   ”In two cases, the drivers were not even the legal age to be drinking,” Chief Hayducka said.
   The department and the Middlesex County prosecutor’s Office will continue to work on cracking down on the problem, according to police.