http://jena.firstdaystory2.com/atf.php?sid=239
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after prom party discovered by police
Citation
issued…
A very large party for minors was discovered by law enforcement
Saturday night following Jena High School's annual prom, resulting in at
least one citation being issued.
According to LaSalle Parish Sheriff Scott Franklin, deputies were
called to assist Louisiana State Troopers who accidentally discovered
the party in Belah around 11:30 p.m., May 2.
"While on patrol, a trooper saw several vehicles in line driving
erratically on the Belah Road," the sheriff said. "Once he got them
stopped, he found out the group was looking for a party that was taking
place somewhere in the Belah area."
Another trooper was also in the area and went to assist the trooper
with the vehicles stopped and happened upon the location of the party in
Belah.
"The other trooper was cutting through the Nebo-Belah Road and came
upon the road being blocked on Clyde Road, just down from Fellowship
Elementary School," the sheriff said. "Vehicles were everywhere and
there must have been over 300 people partying at a barn owned by Harvey
Joe Price."
Deputies soon arrived to assist the troopers as they investigated the
party, where they discovered the greatest number of people attending
the party were juveniles.
"There was a lot of drinking (alcoholic beverages) and it seemed that
nearly everyone had something in their hands," Franklin said. "Because
we only had around 5 or 6 officers there and so many people, we could
not perform the arrests that we wanted to."
Although the party was held on Price's property, the organizer of the
party was William Rad Morphis, 24, of Jena, according to the sheriff.
Morphis was issued a citation for letting a disorderly place.
"Never did we imagine such a large, alcoholic party for minors would
take place after the prom or we would have had more officers on duty,"
Franklin said. "This type of behavior is illegal and is something I've
pledged to stop since my campaign."
The sheriff said it is illegal for minors (under age 21) to drink or
be in possession of alcoholic beverages and it is illegal for those 21
or older to provide alcoholic beverages to minors.
He said that in the future, adults would be charged for throwing such
parties, including adults who have knowledge of such parties.
"Whether you hold the party yourself or serve as a chaperone at one
of these illegal parties, this department will charge you according to
the law," he said. "Every year thousands of teenagers die from
automobile accidents because of drinking and driving so why would anyone
promote such activity?"
At the party Saturday night, deputies blocked the roads and checked
every driver to make sure they were sober before allowing them to leave.
Minors who had been drinking had their parents called to come and pick
them up.
"We were unprepared for this event but rest assured we will not be
caught off-guard again," the sheriff said. "In the future, we'll be
prepared and people will be arrested and charged for these types of
parties."
"If you facilitate such an event or you come to the party as a
chaperone, you will be charged," the sheriff said. "I'm very serious
about keeping our young people alive and if this means arresting some
parents or adults who promote this lifestyle with our youth, then that's
what we'll do."
The sheriff also commended the two state troopers for their work in
uncovering the party.
"They were very professional and handled themselves respectfully
despite the adversity they faced that night," he said. "They deserve
credit for doing their job and doing it well."
This is part of the May
6, 2009 online edition of The Jena Times.
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My question.
How does the above story,a year old,,compare with your hometown?
Hopefully I will get a few comments.
Thank You
Joe in Texas
Social Integration or Behavior
Re: Social Intergration or Behaviour of.
"Almost" Good Answers: