Multiple incidents involving juveniles have Aroostook County officials alarmed. Underage drinking, too often thought of as a rite of passage, does not come without incident. Unfortunately, underage drinking doesn’t just affect the teens who may be making poor choices.
Representatives of Community Voices, an area substance abuse prevention coalition based in Caribou, have compiled a list of some recent events in various parts of the county that involved underage drinking.
Aug. 17 — Allagash. A party ensued at Fall Brook in which the campsite shelter was damaged. As a result, 23 teens have worked out restitution with North Maine Woods and Maine Forest Service for theft of services, vandalism and litter.
Oct. 12 — Chapman area. Pit Party involving approximately 20 people, ranging from 16–24 years old. Twenty-six pallets that were stolen from Mardens Store in Presque Isle were used to start the fire.
Injuries occurred to a juvenile as a result of falling due to the amount of alcohol that had been consumed. They included a concussion (diagnosed); broken nose; possible fractures to the facial area; and scrapes to the inside palm area, and knee.
Litter left behind included beer cans/bottles, a large amount of nails from the burned pallets, and bloody articles of clothing.
The Maine Forest Service and Maine State Police have issued a total of 30 charges including fire on land of another without permission, theft, littering, possession of alcohol by consumption, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Oct. 18 — Fort Kent. Individuals trespassed on property posted by a landowner and had an illegal fire. Damage occurred to machinery owned by the Town of Fort Kent. Twenty individuals received charges from the Fort Kent Police Department and Maine Forest Service which included criminal trespass and illegal burning.
Oct. 19 — St. John Plantation. Individuals hosted a party at the Carter Brook Snowmobile Clubhouse. A minor punched holes in the clubhouse wall, however did not remember due to being too intoxicated. Other party-goers reported seeing the individual. The Maine Forest Service charged the individual with criminal mischief and for the damages to the clubhouse. The Aroostook County Sheriffs Office collaborated on the case.
“One of the goals of our coalition and many partners is to curtail underage drinking, the most pervasive drug issue affecting teens. It is too often minimized. Drinking to the point that property destruction, theft, vandalism, and physical harm occur is a serious matter, “ said Michelle Plourde Chasse, Community Voices project manager. “We’re hopeful increased awareness will prompt additional reports to law enforcement and ease the rationale that it’s ‘only underage drinking.’”
Doug Denico, director of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Forestry added, “The Department commends the efforts of Community Voices and others to raise public awareness of the problems associated with underage drinking. Our Maine Forest Rangers support the efforts of local law enforcement, parents and community groups to find solutions to this growing problem that affects all of us.”
