Los Gatos 'Party Mom' found guilty after 3-month trial

Shannon O'Connor, 51, was convicted of 44 out of 48 charges related to hosting alcohol-fueled gatherings for teenagers and exposing them to harm.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A Santa Clara County jury has reached a verdict after a three-month trial in the case of a Los Gatos mother accused of hosting alcohol-fueled gatherings for teenagers and exposing them to harm. Shannon O'Connor, 51 — who has been dubbed the 'Party Mom' — pleaded not guilty to 63 felony and misdemeanor charges filed in 2022 and 2023, including child endangerment, sexual battery and furnishing alcohol to minors. O'Connor has been found guilty of 44 out of 48 charges read so far.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of adults providing alcohol and unsafe environments for underage teens, as well as the potential for sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. It also raises questions about parental responsibility and the role of authorities in monitoring and preventing such incidents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many students were isolated.

The details

According to court documents, prosecutors identified 12 juvenile girls, referred to as 'Jane Does,' and eight boys, 'John Does,' as victims. Teen witnesses testified that O'Connor tightly controlled aspects of their social lives and routinely exposed them to unsafe situations. O'Connor's conduct largely occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020-21 school year, when many students were isolated due to school closures. Prosecutors alleged O'Connor was motivated by an 'unnatural or abnormal sexual interest' in children and pressured teens at some gatherings to engage in sexual activity while they were intoxicated and unable to consent.

  • On Wednesday, a Los Gatos mother accused of hosting alcohol-fueled gatherings for teenagers and exposing them to harm was found guilty.
  • The trial lasted for 3 months.

The players

Shannon O'Connor

A 51-year-old Los Gatos mother who was accused of hosting alcohol-fueled gatherings for teenagers and exposing them to harm. She was found guilty of 44 out of 48 charges related to the incidents.

Santa Clara County Jury

The jury that reached a verdict after a three-month trial in the case against Shannon O'Connor.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not saying I'm not at all to blame whatsoever. It was my alcohol that they got drunk off of. It was my home that they were at. I feel responsible.”

— Shannon O'Connor (The Mercury News)

“Teenagers are sneaky. They find their way to things. … As soon as you close that door, you're not one hundred percent positive what's going on.”

— Shannon O'Connor (The Mercury News)

What’s next

O'Connor is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2026. Prosecutors are expected to seek a lengthy prison sentence given the severity of the charges she was convicted of.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of parental responsibility and the need for greater oversight and accountability when it comes to adults providing alcohol and unsupervised access to minors. It also highlights the vulnerability of teenagers, especially during times of isolation, and the potential for exploitation and abuse.