On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 20, Newark Police charged 100 individuals, many of them University of Delaware students, with underage consumption of alcohol after responding to a report of a disorderly party in the 300 block of East Park Place in Newark.

An undercover New Castle County police officer entered the party accompanied by two women, both under the age of 21 and who were working with the police and were able to easily obtain alcoholic beverages. About 50 individuals were gathered in the rear of the residence, and some of them entered into the yard of a neighboring residence without the owner’s permission.

Based on this information, Newark Police obtained a search warrant for the residence and executed it with the assistance of Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement and the University of Delaware Police Department.  

Officers issued 100 criminal summonses for underage consumption of alcohol. Individuals who were 21 were released without charges.

According to Newark Police, the majority of those arrested were UD students. In addition, there were several juveniles at the party, two of whom were arrested for underage alcohol consumption and released to a parent.

All those arrested were released at the scene to appear in court at a later date. Charges against the hosts of the party are pending.

UD Police will work with the Newark Police Department to refer students who were charged to the University’s Student Conduct System. Those charged may be required to complete educational training or may receive disciplinary sanctions.

Adam Cantley, interim dean of students at the University, said, “The University of Delaware is committed to working with the local community to ensure that the quality of life for both students and residents of the community is considered. We are equally committed to the safety and welfare of our students and want to ensure that they are informed about laws governing alcohol use, health risks associated with it and the prevention, intervention and counseling services available to them on our campus.”