KY teacher charged, suspended after teens drank at her home during NYE party

A Lincoln County teacher has been criminally charged after reportedly allowing teens to drink alcohol at a New Year’s Eve party at her home.

Jessica Ann Berry, 44, was cited early Jan. 1 by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, but not arrested, following the incident, according to court documents. Berry has been charged with two, third-degree misdemeanor counts of unlawful transaction.

According to the citation, 13- to 17-year-olds were drinking at the holiday party on Berry’s property.

“It was determined through investigation that some of the juveniles brought alcohol to the party and the (suspect) being the only adult on scene contributed to the delinquency of approximately 20 under age children,” the citation reads.

Intoxicated minors were reportedly seen leaving the residence, the citation says.

“Upon our arrival to the home there was (three) female juveniles and (three) male juveniles that admitted to drinking and we were advised at that time that the adult had no knowledge and the party was over and everyone was leaving,” the sheriff’s office citation continues.

Berry is listed as a sixth grade teacher at Lincoln County Middle School on the Lincoln County Schools’ district website. It is unclear if the minors at the party are students in the same district.

“We are aware of the charges against this teacher and we are investigating the matter,” Lincoln County Schools director of operations Brad Smith told the Herald-Leader in an email response. “While the investigation is ongoing, the teacher has been placed on administrative leave. “

No attorney was listed for Berry in court records, and her arraignment is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26 in Lincoln District Court.