U.S. Attorney Says Parents Face Fines and Jail Time After Navy Yard Teen Brawl

C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Monday that parents could face criminal prosecution, $500 fines, and up to six months in jail if their children take part in violent teen gatherings. Pirro spoke after videos showed a large fight Saturday night inside a Chipotle restaurant on 1st Street SE. m. to reports of the disturbance, but the participants had left before officers entered the building.

Pirro said parents who fail to supervise minors involved in curfew violations, truancy, or other crimes could be charged under the District’s contributing to the delinquency of a minor statute. She added that the FBI is assisting police in identifying those involved.

Darren Cox, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington field office, said the gatherings are not harmless and often lead to assaults and robberies.

D.C. Council members to support expanded juvenile curfew authority for police. m. juvenile curfew zones, though the measure still requires a 30-day congressional review before it can take effect. Michael Spence, who oversees the Washington side of Pirro’s office, said prosecutors are also examining whether parents living in Maryland or Virginia could face liability if their children travel into the District for such incidents.