Saratoga sheriff: Parent at underage drinking party that led to outbreak

The Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office confirmed to the Times Union that at least one parent was home during a Dec. 18 underage drinking party that caused an outbreak of COVID -19 in neighboring Warren County and led to the shut down of Glens Falls city schools.

At this point, Warren County officials said that 18 people were infected after a party was held at the home of Joseph and April Mcclements, teachers at Ballston Spa Central School District and Glens Falls City School District, respectively. Superintendent of Ballston Spa schools, Ken Slentz, has said the parents denied knowing of the party.

Saratoga County Sheriff Captain Jeffrey Brown did not comment further on who was at home at the time of the gathering — which was no more than a dozen people. That is counter to the around 50 partygoers that was previously stated by Glens Falls Superintendent of Schools Paul Jenkins.

Jenkins said Thursday that because the investigation is open, he can not comment further. Ballston Spa Superintendent Ken Slentz said he can’t “enter the mind of another adult to guess what they were thinking ” and is leaving the determination as to who was there and what they knew to the sheriff ’s office.

The sheriff ’s office also said progress on the investigation has been slowed by “subjects involved declining to be interviewed by investigators.”

The Saratoga County sheriff is urging anyone with information on the party to call (518) 885-6761.