Woman Held for Teen Sex Parties

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A 46-year-old Lexington woman was arrested Wednesday after providing teenagers with alcohol and drugs, including birth control pills, during parties she hosted at her home, Lexington County deputies said.

Patricia Louise Hartwell has been throwing the parties for White Knoll High School students, encouraging them to drink and have sex, for nearly two years, Sheriff James Metts said.

The parties took place at Hartwell's apartment about 200 yards from the school, Metts said.

Deputies started investigating Hartwell earlier this month after a mother complained her 15-year-old daughter got drunk and had sex while staying overnight at Hartwell's apartment, Metts said.

Six students have given investigators written statements about what went on at the parties, the sheriff said.

The investigation is continuing and more charges could be filed, said Metts, who wants anybody who attended the parties or knew about them to call deputies.

Hartwell had a child that once attended White Knoll High School, deputies said.

Hartwell was charged with six counts of transferring beer to a minor, five counts of transferring liquor to a minor and five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Metts said.

She also has a record that includes driving under the influence and public disorderly conduct charges, sheriff's Maj. John Allard said.

She was being held at the Lexington County jail Wednesday awaiting a bond hearing.