Fallston Parents Plead Guilty to Allowing Underage Drinking

Two Fallston parents pleaded guilty Monday to allowing underage drinking in their residence in the 2200 block of Pleasantville Road during a November 2010 party.

Homeowners Frederick Durst and Marcy Sherry pleaded guilty to one count each of allowing underage persons to consume alcohol in their residence.

“It is not enough to know that these folks may have learned their lesson but to send a message to the community that this will not be accepted or excused,” State’s Attorney Joe Cassilly said in a statement.

Judge Mimi Cooper sentenced both to the maximum $500 fine—suspending $250—and placed them on 12 months probation and ordered 16 hours of community service. Durst and Sherry also had to pay court costs.

“Through medical science and other research we now understand the effect of alcohol on the adolescent brain, the law has changed and attitudes must change,” Cooper said in a statement. She suggested the defendants work to make other parents in the community aware.

The party took place at the Fallston residence on Nov. 26, and police responded after a complaint of underage alcohol and marijuana use. Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies found teens running from the premises and discarding alcohol containers from a party Durst and Sherry were hosting for their 17-year-old son. Deputies reported seeing Sherry and “young people” through the window, attempting to conceal alcohol containers.

There were about 100 people at the residence during the party, police said.