Alex Simpson, an Air Force lawyer, is facing possible jail time after being charged over a party at his Birmingham, Michigan mansion that drew more than 1,000 people, clogged neighbourhood streets, and prompted numerous complaints from residents.
An Air Force lawyer could face jail time after allowing a friend to host a party at his $1.5 million mansion in Birmingham, Michigan, that drew more than 1,000 people and brought traffic in the surrounding neighbourhood to a standstill. Alex Simpson, 42, has been charged with disorderly conduct, breach of the peace and public nuisance over the gathering, held at his home on June 13. Footage from the event shows partygoers dancing on cars and around the pool, with police responding to multiple calls from residents reporting loud music, heavy traffic and public disturbances throughout the evening.
What happened at the party
The event is estimated to have attracted more than 1,000 attendees, far exceeding what would typically be expected at a private residence. Video footage captured revellers twerking on vehicles and dancing poolside, with some women reportedly dancing topless in the water. Officers were called to the scene multiple times as neighbours reported heavy congestion, loud music and general disruption in the area. Authorities said police issued numerous parking citations after vehicles were left blocking driveways, intersections and emergency access routes.
Several neighbours told local media that they had been unable to access their own driveways for hours because of the sheer volume of parked vehicles, while others told WJBK they felt “afraid to leave their homes” while the crowds remained in the streets.
Charges and court appearance
Prosecutors allege that Simpson knowingly allowed the event to continue despite the disruption it was causing to the surrounding neighbourhood. He appeared in court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted a $1,000 bond. If convicted of the misdemeanour offences, Simpson could face a fine, probation, or a short jail sentence, with the exact penalty to be determined by the court.
Simpson has denied personally organising the event, saying he allowed a friend to use the property and had not anticipated the gathering growing to such a scale. He has since apologised for the disruption caused by the party.
Simpson’s response and allegations against the city
Speaking to WDIV, Simpson said he is considering legal action against the City of Birmingham, describing the way officials handled the incident as “improper and discriminatory.” He claimed that criminal charges were brought against him days after police initially responded to the party and told attendees that the “noise level was appropriate” and that the “party did not need to be shut down.”
Simpson further alleged that the city had compounded the situation in the aftermath of the event, claiming officials posted several notices on his property alleging that “permits for work done at home years ago were not completed.” He added: “I also received a letter from the City asking me to resign from my position as an alternate hearing officer for the city.” Simpson also said his family had been subjected to doxxing following the incident, with personal information reportedly published online without consent, a form of harassment that can amount to a criminal offence in Michigan if it escalates into stalking or cyberbullying.
The City of Birmingham has said it is reviewing whether additional civil penalties or code enforcement action should be taken in connection with the event.
