Algonquin mom charged with throwing drinking party for kids

An Algonquin mother turned herself in to police Wednesday night to face charges she provided alcohol and cigarettes to at least 11 children, some as young as 12 years old, during a New Year's Eve party at her home.

Yvonne Genovese, 33, 730 Majestic, also is accused of taking four juveniles girls out to vandalize an Algonquin home and battering another juvenile earlier this month.

In all, authorities charged Genovese with four felony charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, 11 misdemeanor charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and a single count of criminal defacement of property and battery.

Genovese could not be reached for comment immediately Thursday.

Algonquin police arrested her Wednesday when she turned herself in after learning of the charges against her. She posted $2,000 bond and was allowed to go free pending a Jan. 30 appearance at the McHenry County courthouse.

The 11 misdemeanor charges stem from a party police say Genovese threw with as many as 30 children between the ages of 12 and 14 present.

"There was an underage drinking party at her home," Algonquin Deputy Police Chief Steve Kuzynowski said this morning. "One of the kids who was there told a parent about it, that parent came to us, and it snowballed from there."

Since then, police said, 11 children have become cooperating witnesses. No children were harmed as a result of the party, Kuzynowski said.

Still, Algonquin police have contacted the Department of Children and Family Services about the matter.

Kuzynowski declined to say how Genovese knew the children at the party, but court records indicate she has a daughter about the age of the party attendees.

The felony charges allege Genovese took four minor girls on a mission to vandalize another home Jan. 8. Those four girls have been charged with criminal defacement in juvenile court.

"By taking those four juveniles to accomplish that act, that makes those charges (against Genovese) a felony," Kuzynowski said.

The deputy chief declined comment on specifically how the property was defaced or why, but a law enforcement official said it involved throwing eggs at the home of another young person.

Police believe there may have been more children at the party and are asking parents of those children to call them at (847) 658-4531.

"If those parents come forward, there may be additional charges," Kuzynowski said.