Providence father pleads guilty to hosting drug and alcohol sleepovers for teen girls

Jason W. Griffin booking photo (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)

LOGAN — A 44-year-old Providence father has confessed to supplying drugs and alcohol to underage girls while hosting sleepovers at his home. Jason W. Griffin accepted a plea deal that will allow him to be released from jail until he is sentenced.

Griffin appeared in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He pleaded guilty to three counts of permitting a child to be exposed to a controlled substance, a third-degree felony; and two other misdemeanors. He also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal mischief, a third-degree felony; in a second case.

Public defender Bryan Galloway explained that as part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped the remaining charges against Griffin. They also agreed to allow the defendant to be released on pre-sentence probation and be given the option of work-release at sentencing.

Cache County Deputy Attorney Dane Murray said he was alright with Griffin being released as long as he has no contact with the alleged victims. He also asked for the court to order the defendant to have no access to electronic devices.

In August, Cache County Sheriff’s deputies discovered that Griffin had been hosting parties for minor females at his home. He bought the 12 and 13-year-old girls alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarette machines. The girls were all apparent acquaintances of the suspect.

The investigation began after one girl’s mother discovered Snapchat messages on her daughter’s cellphone. She spoke with other mothers, who also discovered similar messages from the suspect.

According to a probable cause statement, Griffin said in some chats that he was sad and lonely. In another message, he allegedly said, “If I could adopt you all I would be the luckiest dad in the world.”

During Monday’s court appearance, Judge Allen said he would allow Griffin to be released, pending sentencing. He ordered that the defendant have no contact with the victims and only be allowed to see his own children during supervised visits. He also agreed with Murray and prohibited the use of any electronic devices.

Griffin spoke only briefly, telling the court he understood that he was giving up his right to a fair trial by pleading guilty. He also said he understood the terms of the plea agreement and was not being forced to plead guilty.

Griffin was ordered to appear again in court November 4 for sentencing. He could still face up to a year in prison.


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