Father, son accused of hosting teen booze party

Westtown-East Goshen police also issued 19 citations for underage alcohol consumption

Elliott Bonnett, 18, was charged in connection with an alleged teen drinking party at his home.

Elliott Bonnett, 18, was charged in connection with an alleged teen drinking party at his home.

The 18-year-old party host allegedly told officers they were not welcome when police showed up Saturday night to investigate a report of underage drinking, police said, adding that when they finally gained entry, they found one teen unconscious.

Members of the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department said they responded at 11:17 to a complaint regarding a residence in the 1600 block of Bow Tree Drive in East Goshen Township, where officers observed vehicles parked near the home, individuals “who appeared to be under 18 outside holding beer bottles,” and numerous juveniles inside the home with beer bottles and plastic cups, a news release said.

The arrival of officers prompted the young people outside to go inside the home, and a teen later identified as Elliott Bonnett, 18, “instructed police to leave the property,” which they did not do, the release said. In fact, officers remained on location for about an hour, attempting to make contact with the occupants by calling the home telephone number and also the cell phone number of the homeowner, an effort that was not successful, the release said.

Raymond E. Bonnett faces charges in connection with an alleged teen drinking party at his East Goshen Township home.

Raymond E. Bonnett faces charges in connection with an alleged teen drinking party at his East Goshen Township home.

During that time, parents began to arrive and expressed fear that they were unable to make contact with their children; police said the teens moved to the basement and were no longer visible, the release said. Police said they determined that Bonnett’s father, Raymond E. Bonnett, 46, was also inside the home.

Police made entry into the residence due to the increased concern for the safety and well-being of several juveniles who were not responding to communications from their parents, the release said.  Once inside, police located one juvenile in the basement who was unconscious and covered in vomit. Westtown-East Goshen Lt. William Cahill said the teen was treated by emergency personnel from the Goshen Fire Company at the scene and released to his parents.

Nineteen individuals under the age of age of 21 in the home had consumed some amount of alcoholic beverage, the release said.  Police also determined that 17 of them were under 18 and as young 14, the release said.

Raymond Bonnett and Elliott Bonnett were each charged with two counts of felony interference with the custody of children, 16 counts of endangering the welfare of children, 16 counts of corruption of minors, and 18 counts of selling or furnishing liquor to minors.  They were taken to Chester County Prison and released after posting $20,000 cash bail; a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 27, the release said.

Parents were contacted to respond and take custody of the juveniles, who will receive citations for underage drinking, the release said.

 

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