The owner of a popular rural venue in Orange County is facing multiple charges after authorities say he allowed underage drinking at a party that drew more than 2,500 people.
Dwight B. Poole, 60, who owns Smokehouse Valley Farm on Mill Creek Road, was served warrants Wednesday by Orange County deputies and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agents. Poole faces six counts of aiding and abetting underage drinking connected to the event, which took place on Friday, May 2.
According to Sheriff Charles Blackwood, the party created widespread chaos throughout the surrounding area:
“Attendees parked along both sides of the road, blocking the flow of traffic. They obstructed driveways, left automobiles in the yards of neighboring property owners, and intoxicated individuals wandered between vehicles snarled in traffic,” Blackwood said.
The sheriff emphasized that many attendees were underage, and some left the party driving under the influence, while others were so impaired they were found passed out along the road.
The event prompted 75 emergency calls within six hours—more than 37% of all 911 calls in the county during that time. More than 25 officers from various agencies responded, and several people required hospitalization.
Bryan House, Director of ALE, said the agency’s mission is to curb alcohol-related crimes and protect public safety, particularly when underage individuals are involved.
Poole is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 29.
