Schuyler teens ordered to detention after drinking party

A pair of Schuyler County teenagers were detained by the Family Court on Thursday, following allegations of an underage drinking party and other misbehaviors earlier this year. According County Attorney Geoffrey Rossi, the two—a seventeen year old boy and fifteen year old girl–were both on juvenile probation as Persons in Need of Supervision at the time of the incidents. While on probation, both were directed to obey New York State laws, including to avoid consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs. Based on reports filed by the county probation department, the two were returned to Family Court for further proceedings. Both were ordered to juvenile detention by Family Court judge David Brockway, following applications from the county attorney’s office. Trials will be scheduled for each juvenile later in the year. The county is being represented in the two cases by assistant county attorneys Steven Getman and Kristin Hazlitt. The juveniles are represented by assigned counsel from the New York State Attorneys for Children program. The respondent’s names and other identifying information are being withheld due to their ages. Under New York State law, a person under the age of eighteen may be charged as a “Person In Need of Supervision” (PINS), if a court finds them ungovernable, incorrigible and in need of supervision and treatment. If a PINS is placed on probation and a violation of the court order is proven, that person may be returned to court, removed from the home and placed in the custody of the Department of Social Services. The charges against the respondents are accusations and a respondent is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.