Ray Introduces Legislation to Increase Penalties for Providing Alcohol to Minors

COLUMBUS – State Representative Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) has recently introduced legislation that will increase the penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor if the act results in a fatality – enhancing the charge from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony.  

“We are seeing more instances of adults purchasing alcohol for underage persons during prom and graduation season with sometimes fatal results.”

A fourth degree felony carries with it a penalty of six to eighteen months in prison, up to five thousand dollars in fines and up to five years’ probation. 

Representative Ray hosted a press conference in Columbus for Medina County Residents Frank and Sharon Pacek to share the heartbreaking story of their son Trevor Pacek’s death that resulted after consuming alcohol furnished to him illegally by an adult. “Trevor’s death was a preventable tragedy,” Said Ray “It is our hope that raising awareness and increasing penalties will make us all more vigilant on this issue.”

House Bill 674 has been assigned to the House Criminal Justice Committee and awaits its first hearing. Today’s press conference can be viewed via the Ohio Channel at the following link: https://ohiochannel.org/video/press-conference-introducing-legislation-to-increase-penalties-for-providing-alcohol-to-minors