Kentucky middle school teacher cited after teens drank alcohol at New Year’s party, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- What began as a New Year’s gathering at a Lincoln County home ended with a Kentucky middle school teacher being cited after deputies said dozens of teenagers were drinking alcohol.

Court records identify the teacher as 44-year-old Jessica Berry. Investigators said close to 20 minors, ranging in age from 13 to 17, were drinking at Berry’s home.

According to the citation, officers responding to the home were told "several intoxicated children" were leaving, FOX 56 News reported. The citation said six juveniles admitted to drinking.

Police wrote that they were told Berry "had no knowledge," but that the party was over and people were leaving.

The citation said based on the investigation and "admissions" that day, children were drinking at the home "to the point where there were some falling in yard and throwing up and being walked home," but Berry didn't think any of the teens were "intoxicated to the point of falling down."

The citation goes on to say Berry told police "this should not have happened and that it will not happen again." Police said Berry was honest and "never intended to give false information," so she was cited rather than arrested.

Berry was cited for unlawful transaction with a minor. She is scheduled to appear in court later this month.

The Lincoln County school district placed Berry on administrative leave. A district spokesperson told FOX 56 News Berry is a teacher at Lincoln County Middle School.