Chesco man charged with hosting teenage drinking party

A homeowner's claim that he did not know nearly four dozen teens were drinking alcohol at his Chester County home on Nov. 22 was rejected, and he has been charged with corruption of minors and related offenses, police said today.

West Whiteland Township police said James M. Stec, 46, is awaiting a summons from Exton district court that will include charges that he furnished alcohol to minors at his home in the 1200 block of Palomino Drive in West Chester.

According to the criminal complaint, Stec told officers he was unaware alcohol was being consumed; however, investigators said his denial was refuted by the number of teens inside the house and the amount of beer and liquor on the premises.

Police said the incident came to their attention at 9:45 p.m. on Nov. 22 when a 911 caller said "numerous teenagers" were in the area of Stec's residence, "possibly engaged in illegal activity."

When officers arrived, they found dozens of teenagers drinking alcoholic beverages outside the house as well as inside, police said. In all, 46 teens ranging in age from 15 to 18 tested positive for alcohol consumption, police said.

All were charged with underage drinking, but one youth got a disorderly conduct count added after he ran from officers and was apprehended a short distance away, police said.

Police said the partygoers who consumed alcohol were were released to parents pending a summons from the Exton district court.