Pirro threatens jail time for parents of DC juveniles who commit crimes, join in 'teen takeovers'

Parents who allow their children to engage in "teen takeovers" and break Washington, D.C., curfew laws will be facing increased criminal penalties.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Friday that her office will impose criminal penalties of up to six months of jail time against the parents or adults responsible for the juveniles. These charges, she said, would be pursued even if the juveniles breaking the laws are prosecuted separately. 

“Teen takeovers have disrupted neighborhoods, forced businesses to close temporarily, and diverted valuable law enforcement resources from the residents of the District,” Pirro said in a statement. "Adults who facilitate, enable, or knowingly permit a minor to engage in delinquent acts may face criminal penalties of up to six months of incarceration. Charges may be pursued regardless of whether the juvenile is separately prosecuted."

She also said the "takeover" incidents are becoming increasingly common in areas parts of the city and result in assaults, robberies, fights and other disorderly conduct.