NEW: Chafee’s Son Charged Under Social Host Law
Friday, August 17, 2012
After an investigation by the Rhode Island State Police and a review by the Office of Attorney General into the events that occurred on the Chafee property in Exeter on May 28, 2012, Caleb Chafee, 18, today was issued a summons to appear before Washington County District Court on August 22, 2012, charged with one count of violating the state’s social host law.
After a young woman was seen vomiting after drinking too much on his family’s property, Chafee’s son reportedly encouraged his friends to leave the party and then call 911 for the girl.
The report indicated that between 10 and 15 young people, many of whom had graduated from Portsmouth Abbey the day before, attended the party and drank cans of Bud Light and raspberry vodka near the pool area of the Chafee’s home. An empty bottle of wine was also found at the home.
The girl became intoxicated at the party and Caleb asked the group to leave
Later that night, the State Police arrived at the Chafee’s residence in Warwick, where they explained to the Governor and Mrs. Chafee that they were investigating an underage drinking incident at their Warwick home. Mrs. Chafee asked to record any conversation between an officer and Caleb. Family lawyer Peter DiBiase then encouraged Caleb to exercise his Fifth Amendment rights.
UPDATE: Governor Chafee released the following statement:
"Underage drinking is a major problem in Rhode Island and across the country.
"With that in mind, the so-called “social host” law has been broadly designed to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring and to protect the young people of our state.
"Throughout this process, Stephanie and I have taken this matter seriously and have been concerned and disappointed by the details of the event in question, as any parents would be.
"Caleb will accept responsibility for his actions and, in addition to any legal consequences that result, we will continue to deal with this matter as a family. It is our hope that this event, however regrettable, has provided an opportunity for a dialogue about the dangerous and potentially harmful effects of underage drinking. Hopefully many parents took this occasion to speak with their children about this important topic."
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Comments:
tom brady
4:34pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
What a leader and first lady we have in Rhode Island. They sacked their own kid to save their pathetic reputation. Really dumb move Gump, if you turn on family you have no credibility with the voters. You and Stephanie should be charged with neglect. Young Caleb's problems didn't just begin this year, I'm sure he's learned the behavior from you and your wife. Clearly the winner in this is Sheldon Whitehouse who set a good example and didn't hide behind his office.
jon paycheck
5:11pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
okay.. next wednesday is court and one more day of media franzy and then i think we all need get back to the real issues that are destroying the state
Saul Goodman
5:19pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
The same Sheldon Whitehouse who's kid just got a DUI?
tom brady
7:43pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
C'mon Saul. Yeah the same, the one who took his own son into the courtroom unlike the Chafee's who pleaded the fifth. Duh.
paul zecchino
11:11am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
tom brady -
It's an old tradition among some East Side Elites and Elite wannabes to sacrifice their kids in order to preserve their good name or make a greater one for themselves.
Likely dates back to Chronos, if memory serves aright, eating his kids.
Dean Esserman is an honorable man who resigned over a much milder incident not of his creation.
In this case, seems the kid dangles on the hook so the parents can carry on with the fishing expedition.
It's an old East Side Tradition, sacrificing one's kids, and sometimes even one's spouse, to glorify oneself.
Girard R. Visconti can assist anyone interested in pursuing the practice.
Paul Vincent Zecchino
Manasota Key, Florida
18 August, 2012
Samuel Bell
8:38pm on Sunday, August 19, 2012
Caleb Chafee is being victimized here. There would be no prosecution were he not the Governor's son. When I was in college and underage, I fully admit to throwing parties where other underage students drank.
pearl fanch
8:06am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Why isn't the governor held responsible in some way, for having the party thrown at his house? Isn't he responsible for what happens on his property....or did those laws change?
Chaffee and Whitehouse, to worms at the bottom of a taquilla bottle.