Cops: Southeast Man Sold Alcohol to Teen

A 48-year-old Southeast man was one of three people arrested and charged with selling alcoholic beverages to a 19-year-old in Dutchess County last week, officials say.

The arrests came during an underage drinking enforcement operation in the eastern part of the county, according to New York State Police. Authorities checked several establishments, most of which were found to be "in compliance with the state's Alcohol Beverage Control Law." It sets the drinking age at 21.

"Twenty stores were checked by utilizing a 19-year old volunteer to purchase alcoholic beverages under the observation of a plainclothes investigator supported by uniformed troopers," police said in a statement.

The Southeast man, who is facing a misdemeanor charge of the prohibited sale of alcohol, was employed at La Guadalupana Mini-Market in Pawling.

Two other clerks from different shops, one in Amenia and one in Millerton, were also arrested. Each received an appearance ticket for a later date in court.

"The New York State Police routinely conducts underage drinking enforcement operations throughout the state in an effort to curb alcohol abuse and DWI incidents among teenagers," officials said.

Editor's note: State Police provided this information. It does not indicate a conviction.