While most remember what it was like to be a teenager and enjoying an impromptu house party in Florida, a group of teenagers decided to take it a step further by breaking into an $8 million home not just to throw a lavish party but to host a boxing match. Sounding like the plot from a new coming-of-age comedy, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is taking the situation seriously as numerous videos have been circulating on Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, showing the partygoers drinking, boxing, and even taking pictures with items found in the house. 

Taking place on Saturday, the video below gives a small glimpse into the wild night that is sure to cost some teenagers dearly. On Monday, the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook, “An open house party is against the law. An open house party in a home you break into is a burglary.” The police department was sure to add that the homeowners gave no consent for the party and didn’t have any relations with the teenagers seen in the video. 

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With pictures and videos being shared online, the sheriff’s office was sure to explain how Snapchat is not private and could be subpoenaed if need be. “Apart from the damage caused and the items stolen, it’s a complete violation of someone’s home that you can’t put a price on. The feeling when you know someone went into your closet, tried on your clothes, and used your bathroom doesn’t have a dollar amount attached to it. Especially in a place where you’re supposed to feel safe.”

The Facebook post from the police department also noted, “We want you to ask yourself how you would feel if your home was ransacked and your sense of peace and security was taken from you. Before you say, ‘they might not have known,’ ask yourself if what was taking place was appropriate (or legal) regardless if they had permission to be there (which they did not),” the post continued. “Before making an excuse for these kids, ask why they felt they could do this in the first place.”

Wanting a peaceful resolution, the police offered the teenagers to turn themselves in as they already knew how some passed out flyers about the party. “Here’s our ask; if you were there, know someone who was there, were invited, knows who circulated the flyer for the party (yes, we know about that too), you are asked to come forward. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and let us know. Come clean and give us the information we need to hold those responsible…So, what’s ‘the move’?”

Although some might believe justice will be handed down, one user commented, “I was once a juror on a case against three young men who ransacked a vacation home and then tried to burn it down to cover up their crime. They ruined not only the home but family heirlooms. Of the 12 people on the jury, 8 of them (not me) wanted to ‘give them a warning’ vs. jail time or even restitution. They used terms like ‘well, they’re just kids,’ and ‘the people have insurance.’ BTW, one of the accused flipped on the others. So, go figure.”

This piece was written by Zach Heilman on June 22, 2022. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.

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