Police: Four Nabbed for Underage Drinking

Four individuals under 21 for trespassing and possession of alcohol by a minor last Saturday just after 7 p.m.

The charges came after a resident of the downtown area reported seeing several people run from the toward the empty Atlantic Wire Company building just off Meadow Street.

When police arrived, they reportedly found Taylor Hamlin Banek, 20, of Madison, James L. Brown, 20, of East Haven, and John Galarza, 18, of Branford, hiding in an abandoned shed on the property, reported Branford Police Capt. Geoffrey Morgan.

There was a fourth person also cited, reported Morgan, but the 17-year-old female’s name was not released due to her age. She was cited for possession of alcohol by a minor and simple trespassing.

Morgan said the four individuals were found in possession of beer, vodka and whiskey.

Banek, who will be 21 on Aug. 30, took responsibility for the incident, stated Morgan. Because Banek told police the beer and liquor belonged to him and that he gave it to the others, he was also charged with permitting a minor to possess alcohol, police said.

Police did not say if the four individuals were intoxicated at the time of the incident.

All are due to appear in court on Aug. 26.

The Atlantic Wire Company building, which has been vacant for some time, was sold to One Church Street LLC in December 2010. According to the Branford Eagle, it will soon be home to new business. You can learn more about the property and potential business here.