Illegal Social Media Parties in Lawndale

08/09/2013

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, South Los Angeles Station/Lawndale Service Center in conjunction with the Lawndale Code Enforcement and City Prosecutor is working to prevent illegal Social Media Parties from occurring in the City of Lawndale.

The Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau, "eComm Triage Unit" monitors Social Media websites for criminal activity along with providing safety to the communities that the Sheriff's Department patrols. As technology improves, more and more people are using it to advertise illegal Social Media parties. There are a variety of issues that make these parties illegal. Party hosts sometimes charge attendees to enter the party in residential areas, which is illegal. Some parties promote illegal narcotic use such as nitrous oxide, marijuana and other drugs. Underage drinking is also illegal. There are also noise issues that are illegal. Law enforcement is also concerned with the number of attendees at these parties.

During a recent party in the City of Lawndale, in the 4300 block of 159th Street, the party host invited 5,222 people, 72 confirmed that they were going to attend and another 42 indicated they might attend. This party did not advertise illegal drug use; however, they expected 5,222 people to attend a residential house party. The advertisement indicated they were charging admission to the party. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were required to respond to the party on two different occasions during the evening due to loud music complaints from neighbors. Luckily, not all 5,222 people showed up to the party. The host of the party was issued a citation and a crime report was written. The Lawndale City Attorney filed the case, and the host had to pay a fine and court costs. She could also be responsible for paying for law enforcement's time and resources used. Authorities are currently determining the total cost that the host may be responsible for.

At another party, an underage juvenile was transported to a local hospital due to excess alcohol consumption.

Lieutenant Hocking indicated, "It is not illegal to have a party with friends; however, when you invite 5,222 of your closest friends, that is unreasonable and could be costly after paying the fines, court costs and for law enforcement services. When hundreds of people show up at a residential house party, other crimes start to occur such as assaults and drug use. Our goal is to keep our communities safe."



Lieutenant John Hocking

South Los Angeles Sheriff's Station

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

(323) 820-6700

http://www.southla.lasd.org

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Contact Information: Lieutenant John Hocking - (310) 219-2753,