The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office confirms deputies responded to a complaint of an underage drinking party at state Sen. Marc Panepinto's Hanover lake house earlier this year. Capital Tonight's Ryan Whalen has more on the latest accusations of scandal connected to the legislator.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- In the early morning hours of January 5, deputies responded to an anonymous noise complaint at state Sen. Marc Panepinto's lake house in Sunset Bay. That's according to a report from the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office.
Despite a complaint of kids playing beer pong, deputies didn't find any minors in possession at the time they arrived and cleared the party without making make any arrests. A spokesperson from Panepinto's office said he would not be commenting on the report. Sheriff Joe Gerace says his office made sure the music was turned down and notified the property owner.
"He made then contact with the sheriff's office and said he was en route from Buffalo and he was going to take care of the situation," he said. "That's as far as I know what took place."
This is not the first accusation of underage drinking connected to parties allegedly thrown by Panepinto's daughters. A source said the Buffalo Public School District and City Honors School have received complaints about parties at the senator's lake house and at his permanent home in Buffalo. That includes accusations of a party about a month ago at his house in the Elmwood Village.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office said it is looking into the complaint, but won't open a formal investigation until there is credible evidence.
Panepinto abruptly announced two weeks ago he wouldn't seek a second term in the legislature. Political insiders have said they'd be surprised if the alleged parties contributed to that decision.