Two Sudbury parents and their child are facing charges after hosting party, breaking social host law

SUDBURY, Mass. — Two Sudbury parents and their child are being charged for hosting a large gathering during the pandemic, a party which violated the state’s underage drinking laws.

Sudbury Police say that, on Sept. 12, the family hosted a large party at their home, where at least 60 Lincoln-Sudbury High School students were in attendance.

According to the Sudbury Police Chief, the family is being charged under what is called the social host law, but the investigation doesn’t stop there. The chief says some of the students who attended the party even threatened police.

“I think it was heroically stupid, it was selfish,” said one Lincoln-Sudbury senior.

High school students who spoke with Boston 25 said they did not want to be associated with the party and the consequences it had for students at the school.

Under Massachusetts' social host law, anyone caught supplying underage people with alcohol risks getting fined $2,000, up to a year in prison or both. You can find more information about the social host law here.

“On social media they’re like, ‘This big party is happening in Lincoln-Sudbury, kids got in trouble, got caught by the cops, kids ran into the woods,’” said another senior.

“The police reported the students were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing," said a spokesperson for the Sudbury Health Department.

Sudbury police say that when police got there, some of the students scattered into woods while others gave police fake names. The parents and their child, who is a high school student, are now facing charges under the social host law.

“I’m still working on what I think about the whole thing," said Karen Prince, a parent. “Was I surprised that teenagers in high school had a party? No.”

“I want him to get charged and be held accountable for that kind of stuff,” said one student.

The Sudbury Board of Health went on to say, “Due to the lack of information of who attended the event and the inability to consult directly with those students, the risk to the school community cannot be adequately assessed.”  

Officials said that, due to this party and the high possibility of spreading COVID-19 among the students, high school students were forced to switch to remote learning in the start of the school year.

“It’s a difficult time, there is no need to make it harder,” said one senior.

“It’s the sign of the times we are living in,” said Prince.

Boston 25 reached out to the school’s superintendent but is still waiting to hear back.

Police say they don’t want to release the family’s name because they are also being threatened with phone calls, emails and social media. The social host charges have been filed at Framingham District Court.

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