WACO, Texas — Three Baylor baseball players were arrested and charged with purchasing alcohol for minors this week.

Senior 2007 co-captain Tim Jackson was arrested on Oct. 1 after a warrant for furnishing alcohol to minors had been issued for his arrest.

Junior relief pitchers Nick Cassavechia and Erik Forestiere both turned themselves in on Oct. 3 at the McLennan County Jail, Waco Police Department spokesman Steve Anderson said.

They were released on personal recognizance bonds and the case has been turned over to the district attorney, Anderson said. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor. Providing alcohol to a minor is punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and/or confinement in jail for up to a year. Also, the violator will have his or her driver’s license automatically suspended for 180 days upon conviction.

Baylor athletic media relations could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.

The incident occurred on Sept. 14, when officers spotted four females walking with a 30-pack of Miller Light on the 2400 block of University Parks Drive. After discovering that the group was underage, the officers noticed a keg and other alcoholic beverages on the front step of the residence on the 2410 block next door, Anderson said. The officers approached the residence, entered a conversation on the front step and noticed more alcohol inside. The Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission then took custody of the keg and other items, Anderson said.

The officers were working through a state grant set aside for the enforcement of alcohol beverage laws, Anderson said.

Jackson started 45 games last season, most of them as a designated hitter, and posted a .254 batting average while driving in 31 runs on 44 base hits.

Cassavechia had a team-leading 30 appearances for the Bears last season and a 3.12 ERA as Baylor’s top closer. He was named the 2007 Cape Cod Relief Pitcher of the Year this summer for his efforts in one of the country’s most prestigious summer baseball leagues.

Forestiere underwent Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow last March and missed last season. He is expected to strengthen Baylor’s pitching staff this year.