Mom accused of hosting underage drinking party

Mom accused of hosting underage drinking party

The Associated Press

MISSOULA— A 38-year-old Frenchtown mother accused of hosting an underage drinking party has pleaded not guilty to six misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of children.

Angela Marie Merritt was arrested Thursday night and appeared in Missoula County Justice Court on Friday.

The Missoula County Sheriff's office says up to 15 underage students gathered at Merritt's house Thursday afternoon, 13 of whom were issued citations for being a minor in possession of alcohol. Authorities say the students' blood alcohol levels ranged from 0.02 percent to 0.082 percent, and of the 13 students ticketed, six were under the age of 18.

An affidavit in the case says Merritt denied actually hosting the party, but told deputies she "was only providing a safe place for the students to party."

MISSOULA— A 38-year-old Frenchtown mother accused of hosting an underage drinking party has pleaded not guilty to six misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of children.

Angela Marie Merritt was arrested Thursday night and appeared in Missoula County Justice Court on Friday.

The Missoula County Sheriff's office says up to 15 underage students gathered at Merritt's house Thursday afternoon, 13 of whom were issued citations for being a minor in possession of alcohol. Authorities say the students' blood alcohol levels ranged from 0.02 percent to 0.082 percent, and of the 13 students ticketed, six were under the age of 18.

An affidavit in the case says Merritt denied actually hosting the party, but told deputies she "was only providing a safe place for the students to party."