Outgoing Lewis County Legislator Joyce Hoch, 55, from the town of Watson, was arrested by State Police for allegedly serving alcohol to minors at a party in November.

Police said Hoch gave beer and Jagermeister to 11 current and former Lowville Academy and Central School students at a Venture Scouts sleepover in November. 

Hoch was the only chaperone at the event, officials said.

Police said when they interviewed students, they were told the unofficial motto at camp is "what happens at the camp, stays at the camp."

"With the scouts, it's the wrong message to send.  There's other ways to have fun rather than surrounding it all around alcohol,"  said State Police Investigator William Campeau.

Hoch is charged with a misdemeanor count of first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child.

In addition to being a scout leader, Hoch is wrapping up a four year stint as the District 6 Lewis County Legislator.

She was defeated during the November election by challenger Paul Sanford.

Hoch also works as a secretary at Lowville Academy.

Lowville Academy  officials contacted the police after learning of the party which was a 'Venture' scouting sleep  in the town of Greig.

Police said the teenagers at the sleepover were between 15 and 19 years old.   

"Those children were put in a difficult situation because of one adult's actions.  That one adult could have come forward when she knew the investigation was underway and prevented all those kids from having to come in here and speak with us," said Campeau.

A school official told 7 News that Hoch is currently on paid administrative leave following an internal investigation.

Also arrested was Meghann Malik, 19, who  was also charged with unlawfully dealing with a child.

Both were issued appearance tickets returnable to Town of Greig Court on January 12.

7 News was unable to reach Hoch, but her husband told us she has no comment at this time.

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