California ‘party mom’ accused of grooming victims for sex, drinking in ritzy mansion, teens testify at trial
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A jury is currently hearing testimony from teenagers who describe their experiences as victims in a case involving a California mother accused of hosting clandestine, alcohol-fueled parties. These gatherings allegedly encouraged high school freshmen to engage in sexual activities at her luxurious residence.

Shannon O’Connor is facing trial on 63 criminal charges related to her alleged organization of these parties for minors during the 2020-2021 school year in Santa Clara, as reported by KRON. The charges suggest a series of events characterized by excessive alcohol consumption and inappropriate behavior among teenagers.

Deputy District Attorney Joanna Lee has characterized O’Connor, dubbed the “Los Gatos Party Mom,” as the orchestrator of these “chaotic, alcohol-soaked benders.” According to the local outlet, Lee stated that for many freshmen at Los Gatos High in 2020, their introduction to alcohol was marked by overindulgence, vomiting, and blackouts. O’Connor’s home allegedly became a venue where minors were encouraged to engage in sexual conduct. Lee accused O’Connor of grooming the teenagers, normalizing sexual activities, and promoting such behaviors.

The parties reportedly involved mainly 14-year-old freshmen, with O’Connor purportedly acting as the sole adult supervisor at events that occurred as frequently as five times a week.

Shannon O'Connot in court on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Shannon O’Connor, often referred to as the “party mom,” has pleaded not guilty to all 63 charges, which include allegations of hosting alcohol-driven parties that facilitated sexual interactions among teens at her Los Gatos home.

Prosecutors allege O’Connor used her son’s status on the school’s football team and “cool mom” reputation to communicate daily with the freshmen through Snapchat without their parents’ knowledge. 

On Tuesday, one female minor, identified as Jane Doe 6, testified the social environment at the gatherings was “misogynistic,” while corroborating prior statements from victims alleging O’Connor pressured teens to sneak out of their homes to drink heavily and “hook-up.” 

Jane Doe 6 reportedly went on to allege her best friend, a 14-year-old girl identified as Jane Doe 4, experienced symptoms of depression and alcoholism after being sexually and physically abused by boys at the parties.

“[John Doe 7] would touch her in front of everybody,” Jane Doe 6 told the court, according to KRON. “It was bad, it was weird.”

woman sits at defense table in yellow jail-issue jumpsuit.

Shannon O’Connor listens in a courtroom, Oct. 20, 2021, in San Jose, Calif. She’s been indicted on 63 counts, including plying minors with alcohol and aiding and abetting sexual assault. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group via AP, File)

The young girl reportedly went on to testify that when John Doe 7 drank alcohol, he would act violently toward the girls at the parties and “no one reacted to it.” 

“On one occasion, Jane Doe 4 was sitting in [O’Connor’s] kitchen in her swimsuit when John Doe 7 began to punch Jane Doe 4 on her leg,” Lee wrote in court documents. [O’Connor] was drinking a glass of champagne and laughed as she watched. John Doe 7 stood over her and continued to kick her legs and stomach all while [O’Connor] was sitting in the kitchen.”

Shannon O'Connor's Los Gatos home

Shannon O’Connor’s Los Gatos home, where she is accused of throwing wild parties for minors.  (Google Maps)

Jane Doe 6 told the prosecution that her friend “was totally alcohol dependent” and “had to take shots of alcohol before she could leave her house.” 

The mother of Jane Doe 4 also took the stand this week, telling the court her daughter first visited O’Connor’s home in the fall of 2020 to work on a school science project with O’Connor’s son, KRON reported.

“It all seemed normal in the beginning. She was an innocent kid. She’d never dated,” the mother said, adding that when she dropped Jane Doe 4 off at the house, “It was a very fancy, beautiful home. [O’Connor’s] son seemed like a nice kid.”

After the child made several trips to O’Connor’s home, her behavior changed, the mother testified, adding her daughter acted “really tired” and “closed off,” according to KRON. 

Jane Doe 4’s mother went on to add that she confronted her daughter after noticing bruises on her body, but her concerns were brushed off. 

One night, the mother noticed Jane Doe 4’s breath smelled like alcohol and told her, “no matter what it is, I will help you,” KRON reported. The mother added that her child felt “a lot of shame” and “was trying to escape.”

O’Connor’s attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Another mother reportedly told the jury in previous testimony that she “100 percent trusted [O’Connor]. As a mom, I have guilt for not seeing the signs sooner.” 

O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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