A New Jersey mom was charged with child endangerment and suspended from her job as a first-grade teacher after a teenager had to be hospitalized following an underage drinking party at her home last weekend, authorities say.
A 15-year-old boy's mother became concerned when she couldn't contact him Friday night, so she called the South Brunswick home where the party was being held, according to police. She spoke with 50-year-old Tracey Harding, who told the woman her son was sleeping, police said.
The teen's mother grew more concerned and drove to Harding's home, calling police as she traveled. Responding officers found the 15-year-old semiresponsive and heavily intoxicated and determined several other teens there had been drinking beer, vodka and other alcoholic beverages.
The boy's blood alcohol content was so high it could have been life-threatening had his mother not gone to the home, authorities said. He was treated and released after several hours at the hospital.
Authorities said Harding was aware of the teen's dire condition, but no one from the home sought medical assistance.
Harding was arrested Saturday night and is free on $2,500 bail. A telephone message left for her Tuesday was not immediately returned.
Harding was suspended from her teaching job at an elementary school in nearby Edison Township after school officials learned of her arrest.
