Date:  July 19, 2004
Contact:  Patty McQuillan
Phone:  919-733-5027

ALE AGENTS CHARGE WAITRESS IN UNION COUNTY DRUNK DRIVING FATALITY

CHARLOTTE - Alcohol Law Enforcement Agents obtained arrest warrants today for 23-year-old Tracye Leigh Osborne of Charlotte for allegedly selling alcohol to an underage person.

Osborne was a waitress at the Wild Wing Café, 2132 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Charlotte, where 17-year-old James Patrick Cippoletti and several of his friends were drinking on Friday night, July 16. Cippoletti allegedly left the bar and struck a tree on Hwy 16 in Weddington and was killed.

ALE Agents recovered evidence from the Wild Wing Café as well as Cippoletti's car that traced him back to the table and server at the Wild Wing Café. A violation report will also be sent to the N.C. ABC Commission which could result in the suspension or revocation of the establishment’s ABC permits.

State law prohibits those under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. It is also illegal to sell alcoholic beverages to underage persons.