Bay Area 'Party Mom' Accused of Hosting Underage Drinking Parties

Text messages and video evidence presented in court reveal Shannon O'Connor's alleged involvement in providing alcohol and enabling sexual activities with minors

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shannon O'Connor, a 50-year-old mother from Los Gatos, California, is on trial for charges related to hosting private parties for her teenage son and his friends, where significant amounts of alcohol were consumed and sexual activities allegedly occurred between intoxicated minors. Prosecutors have presented text messages, video footage, and witness testimony as evidence of O'Connor's involvement in providing alcohol to underage teens and coercing them into sexual activities for her own gratification.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of parents enabling and facilitating underage drinking and sexual activity among teenagers, which can have serious legal and moral consequences. It also raises concerns about the role of social media and technology in enabling these types of activities to occur without parental supervision.

The details

Prosecutors allege that O'Connor, dubbed the "Party Mom," actively encouraged underage teenagers to consume alcohol at private parties she hosted, often being the sole adult present. Text messages presented in court show O'Connor discussing providing alcohol and encouraging sexual activities. Video footage also shows intoxicated teens vomiting and engaging in destructive behavior at these parties. Witnesses have testified that O'Connor selectively invited specific girls to the events to keep them secret from parents.

  • In October 2020, O'Connor allegedly hosted an underage gathering at a leased Santa Cruz beach house that caused around $9,000 in damages.
  • On New Year's Eve 2020, O'Connor is accused of watching a boy sexually assault an intoxicated victim, Jane Doe 3, in the jacuzzi during a party at her home.

The players

Shannon O'Connor

A 50-year-old mother from Los Gatos, California, who is accused of hosting private parties for her teenage son and his friends where significant amounts of alcohol were consumed and sexual activities allegedly occurred between intoxicated minors.

Jane Doe 3

An intoxicated victim who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a boy in the jacuzzi during a New Year's Eve 2020 party at O'Connor's home.

Jane Doe 7

A teenage girl who testified for several hours on January 13th at the trial, recounting her relationship with O'Connor's son and detailing a pattern of manipulation by the mother.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Looking back on it, it's pretty weird”

— John Doe 5 (KRON4)

“She's been held without bail since the moment she was arrested. That is typically reserved for our most serious offenders. She's clearly not a murderer. She is, in fact, I think very unlikely to be a repeat offender.”

— Stephen Prekoski, O'Connor's defense attorney (KRON4)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Shannon O'Connor out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing issue of parents enabling and facilitating underage drinking and sexual activity among teenagers, which can have serious legal and moral consequences. It also raises concerns about the role of social media and technology in enabling these types of activities to occur without parental supervision.