Father charged with giving baby beer: Incident allegedly occurred at local Mexican restaurant
A father faces criminal charges after he was allegedly seen giving beer to his 18-month-old son at a local restaurant.
The suspect, Rosalio Garcia, is charged with child neglect and purchasing alcohol for a child. He will face preliminary hearing on the misdemeanor counts May 20 before General Sessions Judge Larry Ross.
The incident which led to Garcia’s arrest happened April 9 at Fiesta Ranchera when former deputy Shane Prater, who was also dining at the local Mexican restaurant, reportedly saw Garcia giving beer to the child. Garcia had apparently ordered the beer and was giving the child small sips in public.
After seeing what he believed to be an illegal activity on the part of Garcia, Prater called dispatch and an officer was sent to the restaurant. Garcia, who was still dining with his child when officers arrived, was arrested following questioning. It is not known what Garcia told the officer when confronted about what Prater had just allegedly witnessed.
While charged with purchasing alcohol for a child, it is not alleged that the restaurant intentionally provided beer for the child, but instead that Garcia gave the toddler some of his beer after ordering it for himself.
Under state law, it is a misdemeanor for an adult 21 or older to provide alcohol to anyone who is under 21, which is the legal age to possess and consume alcohol. The law also bars parents or guardians of the underage person from providing alcohol.
Garcia’s attorney could not be reached for comment prior to press time Saturday.
Against the law
It’s a misdemeanor for an adult over 21 to supply alcohol to a person who is under 21.