Politics & Government

Former Arlington Selectman Facing Possible Charges for Underage Drinking Party

Police will decide on Monday what charges or complaints, if any, will be brought against Annie LaCourt and her husband.

Former Arlington selectman Annie LaCourt was allegedly caught Friday night having another underage drinking party at her Chatham Street home.

LaCourt, who did not seek reelection in April after seven years on the board, and husband Mark Burstein are facing possible misdemeanor charges, according to Arlington Police Capt. Richard Flynn, after 33 teens, 21 of whom were allegedly intoxicated, were found partying at their house while they were home.

Police will decide on Monday what charges or complaints, if any, will be brought against LaCourt and Burstein, Flynn said.

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“Our primary concern on Friday was to make sure all of the kids got home safe,” he said.

The teens who tested positive for alcohol at the scene are also subject to possible action, according to Flynn.

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Police responded to the residence after an officer on patrol spotted a teen, who appeared to be drunk, urinating on the neighboring Stratton School grounds, according to a WCVB report. Police had the teens get picked up by their parents, according to the report. Most of the them were 17.

Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan told the news station Saturday that charges were pending their investigation but were “likely” due to the fact that officers have responded to “similar incidents” at the residence in the past.

In June 2009, police responded to a smaller party at the residence, but LaCourt and Burstein were cleared of any wrongdoing.

In addition to her former role as a selectman, LaCourt is a current Arlington Town Meeting member from Precinct 15.

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This article was first published at 2:50 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, and has since been rewritten with updated information.

Correction: Mark Burstein's name was spelled incorrectly in the initial version of this report.


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