19-Year-Old Faces Charges for Illegal Parties in Indianapolis

Source: Photo: (gorodenkoff/getty images)

INDIANAPOLIS–Criminal charges were filed against a 19-year-old man in Marion County on Friday for “his role in organizing, promoting, and hosting multiple parties at several properties” that were both illegal and led to the death of a teenager.

On October 28, 2023, 16-year-old Kalin Washington died at a Halloween party. On Friday, 19-year-old Jalen Helm was arrested.

“What is alleged here is that people had their personal information and individuals were profiting off of stealing people’s credit card numbers,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.

Mears and his office believe that Helm executed an elaborate scheme to organize, promote, and host at least eight illegal events throughout Indianapolis between June 16, 2023 and October 28, 2023.

“These parties were promoted through social media and primarily targeted young people. It is further alleged that the defendant supplied alcohol and narcotics to attendees, knowingly admitted armed guests, and collected cover charges at many of the events,” Mears continued.

Mears says Helm also would let people who were armed with guns know where to go so they could enter into the parties.

“When you are inviting people who are underage to attend these parties where there is going to be alcohol, drugs, or guns, that is a recipe for disaster,” said Mears.

Helm would promote the events through social media constantly.

“One of the great things about social media and the great thing about when you have cell phones is that you have the content of the actual messages that are being exchanged,” said Mears.

Due to Washington’s death, Helm is charged with reckless homicide.

Here is the full list of charges facing Helm:

-Two counts of Corrupt Business Influence (Level 5 Felonies)

-Six counts of Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felonies)

-Four counts of Money Laundering (Level 6 Felonies)

-Two counts of Criminal Recklessness (Class B Misdemeanors)

-Criminal Recklessness (Level 6 Felony)

-Reckless Homicide (Level 5 Felony)

-Sale of Alcoholic Beverage without a Permit (Class B Misdemeanor)

-Identity Deception (Level 5 Felony)

-Fraud (Level 6 Felony)

-Theft (Level 6 Felony)

-Ten counts of Theft (Class A Misdemeanors)

You can hear the full interview with Ryan Mears below.