Gurnee parents charged in teen drinking party

Gurnee police accuse two parents of hosting an underage drinking party that ended after a 16-year-old girl was taken to a hospital for suspected alcohol poisoning.

Police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said authorities were summoned to the house at 2528 Hastings Court, on the village's far north side, after a boy sent a text message to his mother with his concern about the ill girl.

After seeing her son's text on her mobile telephone, Patrick said, the woman summoned authorities to the home. Police said Gurnee paramedics took the 16-year-old girl to an unidentified Lake County hospital for treatment of possible alcohol poisoning, and her condition was unavailable Friday.

Michael Gaughan, 43, and his 39-year-old wife, Myra, were charged with hosting an underage drinking party under the parental responsibility section of Gurnee municipal code. Police did not accuse the Gaughans of providing the alcohol.

Eight teens were cited for unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor. Both Gaughans denied seeing any underage drinking, saying they were only aware of teens who were directed to smoke cigarettes outside, according to police.

Patrick said the couple's 18-year-old son did not consume alcohol and wasn't charged. Authorities said Gaughans' son was supposed to host a dance party for about 25 friends. Instead, police said, the party mushroomed to about 75.

Officers sent to the Gaughans' house found full beer cans in the garage where the teenagers were supposed to smoke, Patrick said. About 50 teenagers were at the house when police arrived, he said.

All teens were tested for alcohol consumption, police said. Only those who tested positive for alcohol use were charged, then allowed to go home after proper ride arrangements were made.

Gurnee ordinance states no parent shall intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently give, invite or permit the consumption of alcoholic liquor by minors at an owned or leased home.