Monday, May 4, 2009

Underage Drinking Arrests

The Sheriff’s Office conducted a Juvenile Drinking Enforcement Detail late in the evening and early in the morning of 5-2 and 5-3-2009. This detail consisted of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police. 3 Criminal Arrests were made and 10 minors were summonsed for possession of alcohol.

Basically on or about 4-28 the Sheriff’s Office received information from the Maine Forest Service of a scheduled event to be held on 5-2 at the Rocky Lake Campsite in East Machias. The information about this event suggested that there will be a large amount of underage drinking present. The function was linked back to Social Groups at the University of Maine at Machias and the event known as Greek Weekend. Information suggested that the College Fraternity was organizing the event. The Maine Forest Service attempted to educate the organization on fire danger and environmental impact of the event, among other legal ramifications. After these efforts were made the event’s location was moved to an unknown location.

A detail was organized between members of the Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police and the event was traced to Love Lake in Crawford. The enforcement detail then identified the issues of substance abuse by minors to be present and proceeded with enforcement.

The owner of the property was identified as Mr. Jay R. Beaudoin (DOB 1-31-1964) of Pembroke Maine. He was placed under arrest for Furnishing a Place for Minors to Possess or Consume Liquor. Mr. Michael F. Hinerman (DOB 2-28-1986) of Machiasport and Mr. Royce M. Bedbury (DOB 8-15-1987) were both placed under arrest for Furnishing the Liquor to Minors.

Of the 13 Minors that were identified and processed at the event, 10 minors were charged with Possession of Liquor and released. 3 kegs of beer and drinking paraphernalia were also seized. The event was then shut down and all persons were asked to leave the property by the landowner.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County Sheriff's Office