Orlando criminal defense attorney and television legal analyst Jose Rivas recently spoke with Univision News about a defendant who faces unlicensed promoter charges after hosting a for-profit pool party in which a local man drowned.
Lazaro Cesar hosted a pool party in Las Vegas, charging $15 per guest for admission and offering an “open bar” experience. Police responded to noise complaints that night. The next day, 20-year-old Tayshaun Todd was found dead in the pool by the homeowner. Univision News asked Rivas about legal responsibility, criminal intent, and licensing requirements for event promoters.
What Led to the Las Vegas Pool Party Tragedy?
Cesar, operating without the required professional promoter license, assumed the role of event organizer, conducting security checks for attendees and collecting admission fees. While police arrived around 10 p.m. on June 17 to disperse the party, Todd’s body remained undiscovered in the pool until midday on June 18. According to the coroner’s report, Todd had been in the water for at least 12 hours, and the cause of death still awaits official release.
The tragedy was compounded by the desperate efforts of Todd’s mother, Christina Todd-Dunn, who repeatedly told police and visited the property, fearing for her son’s safety. “I am so frustrated. I’m so hurt. I’m angry… The one time I needed [the police], they couldn’t come through for me,” she said, arguing that a more urgent search by authorities might have changed the outcome.
Unlicensed Promoter Charges
State laws generally require that anyone organizing events for profit, especially those involving alcohol, must obtain a professional promoter license. This license requires background checks, fees, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Lazaro Cesar faces two misdemeanor unlicensed promoter charges: (1) operating as a professional promoter without a valid license and (2) engaging in business without a promoter license. Such unlicensed promoter charges usually bring fines and potential jail time but rarely escalate to felonies except in cases involving intentional harm or repeat violations.
Criminal vs. Civil Liability: Legal Analysis from Jose Rivas
Rivas told Univision News that the reason prosecutors did not file more serious criminal charges—like involuntary manslaughter—is because there is no evidence that the unlicensed promoter purposely caused the death.
“The reason there weren’t more serious charges even though a young man died is a matter of intent. That means there is no criminal intent or participation that caused this tragedy. It’s like having an accident. A person can be civilly responsible for negligence in a death, but there was no criminal intention to commit a crime.”
Rivas said the vital distinction led to unlicensed promoter charges: while Cesar’s actions may have set dangerous conditions, criminal liability hinges on intent. Without evidence of recklessness or malice, charges are limited to violations directly related to the promoter’s license. However, civil lawsuits for negligence or wrongful death remain an open possibility for the bereaved family.
The Risks of Unlicensed Events
Unlicensed party promoters have been linked to multiple incidents involving violence, injuries, and deaths at illegal gatherings—especially at short-term rentals. The absence of proper licensing often means events lack insurance, professional security, and compliance with vital safety protocols, increasing the risk of tragic outcomes.
Dangers of Unlicensed Pool Parties
- Lack of trained security or lifeguards
- Absence of event insurance
- Poor crowd control and emergency planning
- Increased risk of accidents and legal exposure, including unlicensed promoter charges
Liability in Drowning Accidents
In addition to unlicensed promoter charges, determining fault in pool drownings involves exploring premises liability, supervision standards, and the actions (or omissions) of property owners, organizers, or even equipment manufacturers. Hosts can be held civilly liable if safety measures—such as fencing, adequate supervision, and immediate emergency response—are lacking. Criminal penalties apply only with clear intent, but civil courts can award damages if negligence contributed to a wrongful death.
Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas is a veteran bilingual TV Legal Analyst who has appeared on Univision, Fox News, Telemundo, and many other news outlets.