From: Platte County Prosecuting Attorney "Eric Zahnd"
Date: May 13, 2010
Subject: Mom pleads guilty to getting girls drunk at sleepover
A mother who encouraged six girls to drink large amounts of alcohol until two were hospitalized has admitted her crime. Karen Christine Downs, 44, pled guilty to felony child endangerment on May 13 in connection with her daughter’s 14th birthday party and sleepover.
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd said the teens reported Downs offered $10 to the girl who could chug a glass of vodka the fastest.
“It is shocking that a mother would push such young girls to drink so much alcohol,” Zahnd said. “This is the type of drinking that is dangerous even at a college fraternity party, let alone a sleepover during 14-year-old’s birthday party.”
Police were called to Downs’ home at 1615 NW 55th Terrace in Kansas City on February 22, 2009 at about 2:00 a.m.
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Karen Downs
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When officers arrived, they found six 13- or 14-year old girls. The girls were at the home for a birthday party and admitted they had been drinking heavily. One of the girls said she had beer and 9 or 10 shots of vodka.
Officers found 60-70 empty beer bottles and several empty bottles of bourbon, vodka, and whiskey scattered throughout the basement of the house.
One girl was unconscious and was transported to the hospital. Her blood alcohol content was later determined to be .218, nearly three times the legal limit for an adult.
Another girl was also hospitalized, as officers believed she was suffering from alcohol poisoning.
According to the girls’ statements, Downs offered shots to the girls but told the girls they could not tell their parents about it.
When they ran out of alcohol, another woman, Kelsee Guest, allegedly asked the girls if they had money to buy another bottle of vodka. Downs, Guest, and one of the girls then allegedly bought more vodka.
Zahnd said, “We hope other parents who might consider allowing alcohol during high school graduation parties or other events will keep this case in mind. Be advised: providing alcohol and encouraging kids to drink is a felony. We must put an end to the culture that accepts teen drinking as a rite of passage.”
Zahnd cited research indicating that nearly half of children who drink before age 14 become alcoholics. In addition, Zahnd said teens who drink are seven times more likely to use illegal drugs.
Downs is scheduled to be sentenced July 8. Zahnd said he will ask the court to order the maximum shock jail time and probation period allowed by law.
“I believe it is important that Ms. Downs be supervised by probation officers for five years, so her daughter will be as close to 21 as possible before her mother is allowed to possess alcohol,” Zahnd said.
Guest has also been charged with felony child endangerment. Guest’s case is currently set for trial on October 25.
The case was investigated by the Kansas City Police Department.
It is being personally prosecuted by Zahnd and Assistant Prosecutor Joe Vanover.
The charge against Guest is merely an accusation, and Guest is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Please contact our office’s media liaison, Jill Brockman, or me if you need additional information.
Eric G. Zahnd
Platte County Prosecuting Attorney
415 Third Street
Suite 60
Platte City, Missouri 64079
(816) 858-3476
(816) 858-3472 (fax)
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