Indiana State Excise Police officers arrested 17 people on 21 charges at an underage drinking party in Evansville early this morning.
Officers responded to a complaint of underage drinking at 9016 Clear Creek Drive, north of Evansville. Excise officers located some juveniles outside near the residence who had been smoking marijuana and consuming alcoholic beverages.
Officers then went to the house, where resident Elijah Erwin, 19, gave officers consent to enter. Fifteen minors – 12 of whom were less than 18 years of age – were found to have consumed various alcoholic beverages, including beer, Jello shots (Jello and vodka), and jungle juice (mixed alcoholic beverages and fruit in a large plastic tub).
In total, 17 people were arrested on 21 preliminary charges that included illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Two juveniles were also cited for possession of tobacco.
Erwin was preliminarily charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The juveniles were all cited and released to their parents.
Excise officers were assisted by deputies with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.
As the enforcement division of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, the primary mission of the Indiana State Excise Police is to promote public safety by enforcing Indiana’s Alcoholic Beverage Code. While excise officers have the authority to enforce any state law, they focus primarily on alcohol, tobacco and related laws.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
