Los Gatos 'Party Mom' Considers Switching Plea

LOS GATOS, CA — Shannon O'Connor, the Los Gatos "party mom" facing dozens of criminal counts alleging she hosted booze-filled events and facilitated sexual acts, on Monday asked a Santa Clara County judge what her sentence would be if she switched to a guilty plea, according to The Mercury News.

Police arrested O'Connor, now 48, in October 2021, and she has remained jailed since. Among the 39 charges prosecutors filed are allegations of felony child abuse, sexual assault and providing alcohol to minors.

Santa Clara County prosecutors allege O'Connor invited her teen son's underage friends to parties at her home, plying them with high amounts of alcohol and encouraging sex acts, even pressuring girls who were hesitant to participate. In some cases, the court filings allege she encouraged boys to violate consent.

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In the 18 months since her arrest, the case prompted the Los Gatos Town Council to pass a new ordinance, instituting fines up to $3,000 for adults found to be hosting events where alcohol or drugs were available to minors.

O'Connor, who earlier pleaded not guilty to all charges, has now asked the judge presiding over the case how much prison time she would receive for a guilty plea.

A former Santa Clara County prosecutor told The Mercury News the move is likely part of a defense strategy to avoid a jury trial while getting a more favorable sentencing for taking responsibility for the crimes. Another hearing is scheduled for Friday, and the newspaper reports the judge would likely share a sentencing recommendation for O'Connor to consider within a few weeks.