Joel Keith Ingram, 43, is charged with throwing an open house party, according to Chief Deputy Matthew Wade. Deputies responded to calls that a party involving “numerous teenagers” was taking place at Ingram’s home on Big Oak Drive east of Anniston.
Most of the teenagers fled the scene when deputies arrived, Wade said. After deputies rounded up several teens at the party, the teens were detained at the residence until their parents could pick them up.
Marijuana and alcohol were discovered at the scene, according to Wade.
“It was the classic case of letting teenagers party on your property after prom,” Wade said.
The report filed by sheriff’s deputies at the scene did not indicate whether Ingram was a parent of a teenager at the party, or how many teenagers were in attendance, Wade said.
Wade said none of the teenagers have been charged. It is unlikely Ingram will face further charges for providing alcohol or controlled substances to minors.
“He wasn’t outside partying with them when they arrived,” Wade said. “He was inside at the time.”
White Plains High School hosted its prom Saturday night and Ingram’s property falls in White Plains school district, but Wade said he didn’t know if the teenagers at the party attended the White Plains prom.
Attempts to reach officials from White Plains High School and the Calhoun County school district were unsuccess-ful Monday.
Alabama law says adults who allow house parties to continue knowing that people there under age 21 have controlled substances, and who haven’t taken “reasonable action” to prevent that possession, are guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. The crime is punishable by no more than six months in jail or at hard labor, and a fine of not more than $3,000.
Ingram was released on a $1,000 bond on Sunday. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 19.
Staff writer Brian Anderson: 256-235-3546. On Twitter @BAnderson_Star.
