Las Cruces police arrested a pair of adults suspected of providing alcohol to three teenagers left in their care.
Daphne Spencer, 38, and Brette Reese, 20, both of the 1100 block of Brownlee Avenue, are charged with three counts each of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. All three counts are fourth-degree felonies.
On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 14, Las Cruces police were dispatched to a possible disturbance area near MacArthur Elementary School. Officers arrived to find Spencer, Reese and three teenagers intoxicated. The teens – all siblings – are boys ages 13 and 15, and a 17-year-old girl.
Investigators learned that Spencer and Reese were left to care for the three teens whose mother was hospitalized. On Saturday, Reese allegedly purchased alcohol and returned home where, investigators determined, he and Spencer poured whiskey for the teens to consume. All five became intoxicated with Reese having to step outside to vomit and two of the teens getting into a relatively minor altercation with each other.
Several bottles of whiskey and beer were located on the premises where Spencer and Reese reside.
A relative took custody of the three teens. Spencer’s two children, ages 5 and 7, were home at the time but were not served alcohol. They were turned over to the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. Police are continuing their investigation and additional charges are possible.
Spencer and Reese were both arrested and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where they are initially being held without bond.
Information from Las Cruces Police