California 'Party Mom' Faces Teen Testimony in 63‑Count Los Gatos Sex‑and‑Alcohol Trial

A Santa Clara County jury is hearing testimony from teenagers who say California mother Shannon O’Connor groomed and pressured high‑school freshmen into heavy drinking and sexual activity at repeated parties in her Los Gatos mansion during the 2020–21 school year. O’Connor, dubbed the 'Los Gatos Party Mom,' has pleaded not guilty to 63 counts that include supplying alcohol to minors and aiding and abetting sexual assault, but prosecutors allege she used Snapchat and her son’s football‑team status to lure mostly 14‑year‑olds to 'chaotic, alcohol‑soaked benders' held up to five nights a week. One witness, identified as Jane Doe 6, testified that the environment was 'misogynistic' and said her best friend, Jane Doe 4, became depressed and alcohol‑dependent after being repeatedly groped and physically abused by a boy at the parties while O’Connor allegedly watched and laughed. Prosecutors say O’Connor was often the only adult present, normalized sex and hookups among the teens, and even stood by as a drunken boy punched and kicked Jane Doe 4 in the legs and stomach in the family kitchen. The case highlights growing concern over parents who facilitate underage drinking and sexualized situations under the guise of being a 'cool mom,' and over how social media can be used to bypass parental oversight.