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.