Politics & Government

Governor's Son Accused of Violating RI Social Host Law

Caleb Chafee, son of Gov. Lincoln Chafee, has been charged with violating the state's social host law.


Caleb Chafee, 18, the son of Gov. Lincoln Chafee, has been charged with one count of violating the state's social host law, the R.I. Attorney General's office announced Friday. 

Chafee, a graduate of , allegedly hosted a graduation party in Exeter on May 28. State Police began investigating after a walking along Route 102 after apparently leaving the party. 

"After and a review by the Office of Attorney General into the events that occurred on the Chafee property in Exeter on May 28, 2012, Caleb Chafee, 18, today was issued a summons to appear before Washington County District Court on Aug. 22, 2012, charged with one count of violating the state’s social host law, under R.I.G.L. 3-8-11.1.," according to the release from the Attorney General's Office. 

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"Under R.I.G.L 3-8-11.1, also known as the 'social host law,' any person, between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years of age, who permits the consumption of alcohol by underaged persons in his or her residence or on his or her real property may, upon conviction, be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).

"In addition, any person convicted may be required to attend an educational program approved by the department of health designed to recognize the dangers of underaged drinking, and may be subject to up to thirty (30) hours of community service."

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This is the second incident in the past year in which Chafee has been involved with police.

In April, the teen was arrested after allegedly attempting to purchase beer in Jamestown. He pleaded no contest to the charge and was ordered to pay a $100 fine, according to The Providence Journal

Chafee is now due in court on Aug. 22 on the social host charge.  

Gov. Chafee released this statement:

"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."

What do you think about the charge against Caleb Chafee? Tell us in the comment section below. 


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