Parent Allowed Dozens of Teens to Drink at House Party, Cops Say

A 52-year-old Florham Park woman was charged with letting underage minors consume alcohol in her home after police raided a party on June 29, according to Capt. Robert Treiber of the Florham Park Police Department.

Police received a report of a large house party where teens were drinking and using drugs at 38 Townsend Drive shortly before 10 p.m. June 29, Treiber said.

When police responded they saw between 30 and 40 juveniles flee the residence. They were able to stop several juveniles and found more inside the home, according to Treiber.

Police noticed the strong smell of alcohol inside the home, as well as numerous empty containers of alcohol and evidence of marijuana use on a table in the garage, with empty boxes of beers and empty beer containers, he said. 

Also inside the home was the homeowner and parent of one of the juveniles, Maria Kluge, 52, Treiber said.

Twenty-five juveniles were detained on scene, and an investigation revealed some of the juveniles ranging in ages from 14 to 17 were under the influence of alcohol, Treiber said. 

All juveniles were subsequently released to a parent or guardian, Treiber said, and juvenile charges are pending for those found under the influence of alcohol.      

Kluge was issued a summons with an Aug. 1 court date.