Norwich — City police said they have charged five individuals for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor, as a result of a previously announced liquor store compliance investigation.

The Norwich Police Department Community Policing Unit conducted the checks on the evening of June 15 by sending four trained minor undercover decoys, ages 17 and 18, to purchase alcohol, according to the police report.

Police said five stores sold liquor to the minors this year, compared to three stores last year.

Police said they have charged the following individuals with sale of liquor to a minor: Kim Gatheral, 50, of Eager Road, Franklin, at Bean Hill Spirit Shoppe, 224 West Town St.; Donna Champlain, 58, Hamilton Avenue, Norwich, at Kenny P’s II, 475 Hamilton Ave.; Debra Duch, 62, of Glenwood Ave., Norwich, at Norwich Wine and Spirits, 273 West Main St.; Gita Patel, 44, of Latham Drive, Griswold, at H&B Package Store, 1 South 2nd Ave.; and Jacob Wysoski, 31, of River Street, Baltic, at Occum Package Store, 29 Taftville Occum Road.

They were released on $1,000 nonsurety bonds and assigned a court date of June 29 at G.A. 21, according to the report. 

The establishments will be referred to the state Department of Consumer Protection-Division of Liquor Control for possible license/permit sanctions, police said.

Police commended the following Norwich establishments that refused to sell to the minors: Universal Discount Package Store, 680 West Main St.; The Square Package Store, 258 Broad St.; Gary’s Wine and Spirits, 20 Norwich Ave.; Scotty’s M and M Spirits, 1 Jewett City Road; Amazing Discount Wines and Spirits, 235 West Thames St.; Big Harry’s Discount Liquors, 526 West Thames St.; Towne Liquor Store, 32 Town St.; Eastside Discount Liquor, 450 East Main St.; PK’s Discount Liquor, 647 North Main St.

The Norwich Police Department said it "has and will continue to partner with the Norwich Youth and Family Services, the Norwich Prevention Council and the Southeastern Region Action Council (SERAC) in order to combat underage drinking."