Teen Drinking Party At Hotel Violates Governor's Order: Police

WESTMINSTER, MD — Maryland State Police have charged a man with violating Gov. Hogan's executive order to stay at home and providing alcohol to teens during a party he hosted Monday at a Carroll County hotel.

Ryan M. Serra, 26, of Lutherville, is charged with violation of the order aimed at limiting gatherings to stem the spread of the coronavirus and ten counts of allowing a minor to possess alcohol. Serra was charged on a criminal summons.

Shortly after 7 p.m. Monday, the Maryland State Police Westminster Barracks received a call reporting a party being held in a room at the Boston Inn in the 500 block of Baltimore Boulevard in Westminster. The caller said the party involved people under the legal drinking age.

Troopers said they found six boys and four girls between the ages of 15 and 17 hiding in the bathroom area.

Investigators said Serra hosted the party, bought alcohol for the teens, and was aware they were underage. No one in the room appeared to be intoxicated, officers said, although an empty liquor bottle was found in the room.

The teens were turned over to the custody of their parents.

Troopers contacted the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office and, after consultation with officials there, applied for charges against Serra with the District Court Commissioner’s Office. Charges were issued on a criminal summons by that office.

Charges were not filed against any of the teens.

As part of the state’s effort to combat the COVID-19 virus, Maryland State Police will continue to enforce the Hogan's order, which requires non-essential businesses to close, assembly of only ten persons or less and, staying at home unless travel is essential. Violation of the governor’s executive order is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.