Photo courtesy of WPRI-TV

Governor's son charged with violating social host law

Posted: 8/17/2012 1:55:17 PM
Updated: 8/17/2012 2:16:21 PM

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s office announced that Governor Chafee’s son, Caleb, will be charged with one count of violating the social host law in connection with an underage drinking party that took place on the Chafee Exeter property. He is scheduled to answer to the charges in District Court on August 22.

Governor Lincoln Chafee released the following statement on Friday afternoon:

"Underage drinking is a major problem in Rhode Island and across the country. With that in mind, the so-called “social host” law has been broadly designed to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring and to protect the young people of our state. Throughout this process, Stephanie and I have taken this matter seriously and have been concerned and disappointed by the details of the event in question, as any parents would be. Caleb will accept responsibility for his actions and, in addition to any legal consequences that result, we will continue to deal with this matter as a family. It is our hope that this event, however regrettable, has provided an opportunity for a dialogue about the dangerous and potentially harmful effects of underage drinking. Hopefully many parents took this occasion to speak with their children about this important topic."

Caleb, 18, allegedly hosted a gathering of his friends on the Governor’s Exeter property on May 28. According to a State Police report obtained by WPRO’s Matt Allen one girl got so drunk she had to be hospitalized. State Police found the teenaged girl and her friends on the side of the road away from the property. An investigation revealed the girl and her friends were on the Governor’s property with Caleb drinking when she became ill. Caleb Chafee allegedly told the girl’s friends to get her off the property before they called an ambulance.

When State Police arrived to question Caleb he plead the fifth and called and advised his friends to do the same. One girl did give a statement.

RI’s social host law carries a civil penalty of a fine of up to $500, up to 30 hours community service, and a possibility of a court ordered educational program on the dangers of underage drinking. "Any time an alcohol is allowed to be consumed by minors we take it very seriously.The statute does carry a criminal punishment so it is not a criminal statute because the statute is specific for individuals between the ages of 18 and 21," said Captain Michael Winquist of the RI State Police.

This is not Caleb Chafee’s first civil violation; in April he was charged with misrepresentation after he attempted to buy alcohol at a Jamestown liquor store. He pled no contest and paid a $100 fine and court costs.