By THOR JOURGENSEN
SAUGUS — A Palmer Avenue couple who teach in Everett and Medford have been sentenced to the Essex County House of Correction after a jury convicted them of furnishing alcohol to minors.
Judge Richard Mori sentenced John Penza, 52, and Josephine Penza, 55, of Saugus to nine months in the House of Correction with 30 days to be served and the balance suspended for two years.
During that time, they must remain drug and alcohol free, submit to random screens, and perform 50 hours of community service. John Penza will begin serving his sentence immediately, according to District Attorney’s spokeswoman Carrie Kimball-Monahan, and Josephine Penza will serve her sentence beginning Jan. 15.
A Peabody District Court jury returned guilty verdicts last week against the couple in connection with a 2013 underage drinking party at their Saugus home. Kimball-Monahan, in a statement, said Essex Assistant District Attorney Shailagh Kennedy introduced evidence that proved the Penzas were at home on August 18, 2013 during a party at which underage guests were drinking alcohol.
Just before midnight, Saugus Police responded to a noise complaint at that address and found an estimated 70 minors, including a 16-year-old girl in an upstairs bathroom who was highly intoxicated and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
Kimball-Monahan in her statement said testimony at trial indicated that Mrs. Penza told the 16-year-old girl to tell the police that she was suffering from food poisoning. Kennedy introduced as evidence photographs showing a table set-up for the purpose of a drinking game and numerous empty alcohol containers.
“Parents can no longer turn a blind eye when it comes to underage drinking,” District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said. “The statute makes it clear that allowing a minor to possess alcohol on your property violates the law. The sentence imposed underscores the seriousness of the offense and I hope will send a message to other parents who think letting young people drink in their home is no big deal.”
“We remind parents and guardians that if your child is under 21 and is caught having a party where there is alcohol, you could face charges under the state’s Social Host Law. Do not be tempted to allow your son or daughter to have friends over to drink, especially during the holidays or end of the year celebrations,” Saugus Police Chief Domenic DiMella said. “I commend Saugus Police on their diligence and hard work throughout this case.”
The defendants were represented by attorney Francis O’Brien. John Penza is an Everett High School teacher. His wife teaches at a Medford elementary school. O’Brien did not return telephone requests for comment on the convictions.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected]
