Prosecutor won't file charges against doctor
A local doctor will not face charges in connection with a mid-April underage drinking party at his residence.
Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins said Wednesday he decided to not file any charges against Dr. William G. Humphreys, 51, for the incident that occurred the evening of April 12.
Mr. Scroggins received a police report that stated Dr. Humphreys, an orthopedist, had allowed minors to possess or consume alcohol at his home. Police determined that several minors were consuming alcohol as they came out of the residence. Mr. Humphreys was arrested at the home on the misdemeanor offense and taken to the Buchanan County Law Enforcement Center, where he later posted a $1,000 bond and was released.
“Subsequent interviews with minors holding the party at the residence confirmed Mr. Humphreys’ account that he had specifically instructed the minors to have no alcohol,” Mr. Scroggins said. “There was no alcohol found in the home and no indication Mr. Humphreys was aware anyone else had brought alcohol to the residence. There was no allegation that Mr. Humphreys had provided alcohol to the minors.”
Police cited six underage drinkers and one juvenile for possession of alcohol at the party.
Last year, the St. Joseph City Council approved a “social hosting” ordinance that prohibits adults from supplying alcohol to a person younger than 21, or allowing them to stay in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcohol. The local law mirrors a state statute and carries a maximum six-month jail sentence and/or a $1,000 fine.
“These are cases which we view to be very serious in nature and will continue to aggressively prosecute,” Mr. Scroggins said. “There does, however, have to be some indication adults at the residence are aware of the presence of alcohol or have provided the alcohol for there to be a violation.”
This story has 13 comments. Click here to join in on the discussion.
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It just goes to show you that if you have money or are an influential person in town you can get away with anything. I think the Police should resubmit the case to the city prosecutor.
Posted by tom1958 on May 14, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)I agree, I someone at the house and there were over 20 children given summons for possession of alcohol, you gonna tell me that many children in his house and he is not going to check on them or see the alcohol
Posted by StJoeMoe on May 14, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)I have faith in the local prosecution, no concerns here.
Posted by gr8fan on May 14, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)StJoeMO,
Posted by bearie04 on May 14, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)Im sure the tooth fairy and Santa Claus will be very good to you this year.
The money comments are on the mark. Nice cover up Scroggins!
I agree with not charging him..They would just be making an example of him..and then you guys would be saying that they charged him just because he Was a Dr. But since they didnt now they didnt because he Is a Dr...he cant win anyway it goes..and it doesnt matter if he let them do it or not they would have done it anyways..this town is soo against the very doctors that everybody runs to for help when they hurt and they are against the healthcare system that brings the doctors in to help everyday..its just crazy...
Posted by itsme on May 15, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)Just wonder if the same outcome would have been made for the common Joe....we really showed the children involved that a slap on the wrist is all you get. I am sorry if there are 20 kids at my house I will be right there with them and they WILL NOT be off alone just for the fact I know what could be going on. SUPERVISION is the key word here. Come on we were all young once and we know exactly what kids will try! Dr or not we need to be responsible, if someone entrust their child to be at my home I feel I take the responsibilty to know what is going on. I also make sure EVERY child that comes to my home knows the rules and I also inform them of what will happen if they break them and they know I mean it!
Posted by rxyrch on May 15, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)bearie04 --- let me ask you a question. if your child had been at this party, and was drinking, the drove or rode with someone who had been drinking and was in (God forbid) a horrible accident, would you file suit against Dr. Humphrey, would your opinion be different.
Posted by shockedandamazed on May 15, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)This is the day of cell phones people. You can have a small get together with people invited to a no drinking party and soon have kids, that were not invited and drinking. If you notice the kids that were drinking were coming and going, or sitting outside. If you want to find blame, find the kids who were charged with possesion and ask where their parental control was. If you want a chuckle and remember the days when you also were young and dumb, go to www.wagthejoe.com and read the articles on, as they call him, "Dr. Houseparty". If you are raising kids now days, you are already aware on how, no such thing exists as a small get together.
Posted by itsme on May 15, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)rxyrch That is a very good point. I am sure that the parents would all be saying something different if something like that had happened.
Posted by dpr95 on May 15, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)If you really believe that he is innocent and the teenagers told the truth during their interviews with Mr. Scroggins, then I have some desert land down by the riverfront that I would like to sell to you.
Posted by lionsroar on May 16, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)What evidence do you require?????
Posted by heritage on May 16, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)Social Hosting-Social host liability laws hold non-commercial individuals responsible for underage drinking events on property they OWN, LEASE, OR OTHERWISE CONTROL.
this was an idiotic law from the outset. can you say nanny state? pass a stoooooopid law, pass the buck of parental responsibility, including those parents who allowed their teens to go out and not know where they were going. i bet you anything that some of those party-goers actually brought liquor purloined from their parent's own supply!
Posted by 4wildones on May 16, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)Heritage the kids with the alcohol got in trouble also, as they should have, however, Dr.Humphreys showed marked irrisponsibility by not knowing what was going on in his own house. He is responsible for every child in his house and on his property.
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