Police say Mundelein couple hosted teen drinking party

A Mundelein couple have been issued social hosting violations after police raided an underage party at their house, authorities said.

Thomas Higgins, 56, and his wife, Stephanie Higgins, 57, of the 2200 block of Fieldcrest Drive, were cited along with 20 underage people at 11:15 p.m. March 1, Mundelein Police Chief Eric Guenther said.

While the parents may not have provided alcohol for the people at the party, Guenther said, the adults should have known alcohol was being consumed by the underage people in the house.

"There was enough evidence to the fact that the parents should have at least known about the drinking," he said. "And taking keys away from them doesn't cut it. You can't possibly keep track of all 30 kids,"

Guenther said the couple agreed to let the teenagers gather in their house after a turnabout dance at Carmel Catholic High School was canceled due to bad weather.

Police were tipped off by an unknown caller that an underage alcohol party was taking place at the house, Guenther said.

Despite reports to the contrary, he said, not all the students at the party were from Carmel. About 10 students at the house were not cited for alcohol consumption, he said.

Guenther said the social hosting violation will cost the Higgins between $250 and $750 in fines.