Law Enforcement Officials Break up Illegal Party in Osage Co.

JEFFERSON CITY, June 29, 2005—Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James thanked today a three-body law enforcement unit that was called to duty Saturday, June 25 to control a potentially dangerous, illegal party on the Linn Lions Club property.

An undercover Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) agent acted on a tip from the Highway Patrol that the party, planned by Linn’s Summer Fest organizers, was out of control and in violation of multiple state laws. Upon entering, the ATC agent observed many illegal acts such as lewd activity, intoxicated patrons and underage alcohol consumption.

Due to a concern for the public safety at this event, a team consisting of an ATC agent, the Highway Patrol and the Osage Co. Sheriff’s Department was immediately formed. The team again witnessed illegal activity and advised the event organizers to cease that activity.

Director James offered his thanks to the law enforcement agencies that helped at the scene.

“I am very pleased with the speed and efficiency of the team formed to control a very much out of control and unsafe event,” James said. “With that number of people in attendance, what at first may be a good time can quickly turn into a deadly situation. Sometimes our job involves protecting people from themselves and especially with the holiday weekend approaching, the Department of Public Safety has no tolerance for illegal activity.”

Illegal activity included the party organizers operating without a liquor license. Partygoers paid a $10 cover charge for entry, entertainment was provided to them, and they were allowed to consume alcohol. Also, coolers of alcohol were found on the park premises, and four minors were found and arrested in possession of alcohol. Three fights broke out on the property after the team arrived.

The Department of Public Safety stresses that events like these are not only illegal, but they have the potential to escalate into a deadly situation. Estimates for the attendance of this event are as high as 500 people. Many of the partygoers were intoxicated and underage, and likely planned on driving home. The arresting officer noted the individuals were not only underage but would likely not be able to pass a field sobriety test.

Dale Roberts, State Supervisor for ATC, said the Department of Public Safety and all Missouri law enforcement know the devastating effects of drunk driving and aim to intervene in criminal and careless events like the Summer Fest party last weekend.

For more information about the illegal party or the effort of the three law enforcement bodies involved in the intervention, please contact Terri Durdaller at (573) 751-4819.

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