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Teen in Racy Yearbook Photo Arrested with Mom

By Andrew Chow, Esq. on August 16, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Sometimes being a "cool mom" can get you in trouble. Denise "Miki" Spies, 45, of Durango, Colo., is learning that the hard way, after a ruckus over her daughter Sydney Spies' racy yearbook photo and now a run-in with the cops.

The Spies got national media attention in January when they fought the rejection of Sydney's high-school yearbook photo, which editors had deemed too provocative, The Durango Herald reports.

Now Miki Spies and daughter Sydney, 18, are facing criminal charges for hosting a house party where underage drinking was rampant, police say.

Officers responded to the Spies' home about 11:20 p.m. Sunday, when the party was in full swing. Denise "Miki" Spies was present, along with daughter Sydney Spies of racy yearbook photo fame and "numerous" partygoers. Alcoholic beverages and red plastic cups littered the property, according to police.

Miki Spies allegedly refused to identify herself to police and tried to herd the partygoers inside. When an officer told Spies it was a felony to serve alcohol to minors, she allegedly "broke into a full sprint for her front door," a police report states.

Officers chased Spies into her bedroom, where she was arrested after a struggle, The Durango Herald reports.

During that time, the underage partiers all ran away -- except, apparently, daughter Sydney. She and her mother were arrested and charged with obstructing a police officer; mother Miki is also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Thankfully, no one was hurt as a result of the Spies' party. In general, a party host like Miki Spies can be held liable for any injury caused by her providing alcohol to minors. Some states' laws extend a party host's liability to adults as well.

It's not clear what defenses either Denise "Miki" Spies or racy yearbook model Sydney Spies may use. The mother and daughter have posted bail and are free pending their court dates.

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