Winter Park Doctor Won’t Face Charges After Party Incident

UPDATE: A Winter Park physician, Hao Nhu Tran, will not face criminal charges after an alcohol-fueled party at her home resulted in a 15-year-old girl requiring hospitalization. The decision comes just days after Tran was arrested on October 12, 2023, amid allegations of allowing minors to consume alcohol at her residence.

Winter Park police reported that they responded to Tran’s home on Chestnut Avenue shortly after midnight on October 11 after receiving multiple calls about children appearing “falling down drunk.” Police stated that Tran, 51, acknowledged hosting an event for her son’s school but admitted that other underage attendees, whom she did not know, were present.

During the investigation, officers discovered empty containers of alcoholic beverages, including High Noon and Smirnoff, disposed of in trash bags within the kitchen. The incident escalated when officers found the 15-year-old girl who had reportedly passed out in an upstairs bedroom. Tran stated she ensured the girl was breathing before contacting her mother, who subsequently called 911. Upon arrival at the hospital, the girl was found to be vomiting and barely coherent.

In a court filing on Monday, prosecutors determined that they would not pursue charges against Tran, citing that “evidence at trial will not overcome one or more affirmative defenses.” This decision has raised eyebrows, given the serious allegations against her.

The girl’s mother reportedly expressed reluctance to press charges against Tran, yet also indicated that Tran had initially opposed calling 911, as per the affidavit. The community is left questioning the implications of this decision, especially given Tran’s role as a physician with a practice focusing on ear, nose, and throat diseases, as noted in her profile on AdventHealth.

As details surrounding the incident continue to unfold, local authorities and community members are grappling with the potential ramifications of this case. The lack of charges has sparked discussions about accountability and the safety of minors at events hosted by adults.

This developing story raises significant concerns about the responsibilities of adults when it comes to underage drinking, particularly in settings where children and teens are present. The community will be closely monitoring any further actions taken by law enforcement or other authorities regarding this incident.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation progresses.