No charges filed in party incident

After reviewing the investigation of possible underage drinking at a graduation party held last spring at the Sander’s County Fairgrounds, the Montana State Attorney General’s Office has decided not to press charges.

The investigation was conducted by Attorney General Steve Bullock, upon request by Deputy Shawna Chenoweth from the Sander’s County Sheriff’s Office.

Bullock, who reviewed the entire file, including investigative reports and witness interviews, concluded that the investigation was in fact comprehensively and properly conducted.

Although the investigation established that there was alcohol at the party, and witnesses observed minors walking with unopened beer cans, there was no conclusive evidence that said individuals ever consumed the alcohol.

All this despite the fact that, the morning after the party, a Plains student was issued a DUI citation. However, the student claimed the alcohol he consumed was not attained at the party, but from elsewhere later in the evening. Bullock could find no evidence to the contrary in the investigative report.

Bullock then concluded that the original investigation was thoroughly conducted, and further review revealed no criminal wrong-doing at the party. Therefore, no charges will be filed.