The New York City Sheriff’s Office broke up an illicit Halloween party at a warehouse in Brooklyn and issued summonses to eight people associated with the party. The event was packed with nearly 400 attendees.
This latest bust adds to a string of gatherings that are considered illegal due to regulations put in place to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Gothamist, Sherriff Joseph Fucito said his office was made aware of a “potential nonessential gathering” at 23 Meadow Street in Williamsburg at around 1 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Prior to storming the location, Fucito said deputies heard loud music coming from the warehouse and spotted security guards controlling crowds outside the venue. The outlet reported that roughly 150 of the guests were seen wearing costumes.
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Upon raiding the warehouse that was ornamented with Halloween-themed decorations, deputies found 387 people dancing to music provided by a live DJ. No one was social distancing or wearing masks that could protect them from contracting COVID-19.
Eight people now face multiple charges that include violating the city’s executive order that prohibits large parties during the pandemic. Fines for these types of violations go from $1,000 to $15,000.
Norman Kingsland, LLC, the company alleged to have organized the party, was also charged with failing to protect the health and safety of its guests. Additional charges include hiring an unlicensed security guard, disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest.
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The Governor’s Office reports that 177 restaurants, bars, and venues have been cited for violating the state’s COVID-19 protocols that restrict large indoor gatherings.
In mid-October, deputies raided an illegal party of 215 people inside a banquet hall in Queens. They also broke up a gathering of 70 people inside Da Mikelle, another Queens catering hall.
The person listed as the owner of the property at 23 Meadow Street was unavailable to comment.
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