John F. JonesBIVALVE, Md.- The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 49-year-old man accused of hosting a large underage drinking party at his Bivalve home.
John F. Jones is charged with contributing to the condition of a minor, disorderly house
and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Police said that on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 11, deputies received word that a large party with many high school-aged teenagers in attendance was taking place at a home on the 21000 block of Nanticoke Road in Bivalve.
Sheriff's deputies drove to the Bivalve area and located the home in question at around 10:30 p.m. Authorities said vehicles were parked on both sides of the road on both Nanticoke Road and Cedar Hill Parkway. Police said an extremely large crowd, estimated at approximately 300, was on the scene. Many of the patrons began running from the property when the deputies arrived, investigators said.
Police said the deputies observed a large amount of both beer and liquor in plain view and could tell that most of the crowd appeared to be teens and young adults. The deputies managed to positively identify 50 patrons in the 16- to 20-year-old range. Police noted that it was impossible for the deputies to conclusively know the full extent of those present that were under age due to the amount that ran from the scene.
Deputies identified the homeowner and host of the party as Jones. According to police, it appeared to the deputies present that Jones was well aware of both the party and the ages of those present. Jones was placed under arrest on the aforementioned charges and released on his personal recognizance.
Police said those party patrons under age 21 who were found to have consumed alcohol were charged on a citation. Those charged were from Bivalve, Salisbury, Delmar, Fruitland, Snow Hill and as far away as Harrington, Milton, and Lewes, Del.
