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Morning Sentinel Feb. 19 police log

IN ANSON, Saturday at 3:30 p.m., a chimney fire was reported on River Road.

IN BENTON, Saturday at 9:13 p.m., a railroad crossing problem was reported on River Road.

10:25 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Benton Avenue.

IN FAIRFIELD, Saturday at 4:07 p.m., a caller from Cashman Street reported a problem with an animal.

4:13 p.m., someone went to the Police Department to file a complaint, the nature of which was not included in the report.

IN HARTLAND, Saturday at 6:38 p.m., trespassing was reported on Elm Street.

IN MADISON, Saturday at 7:46 p.m., a theft was reported on Hagopian Court.

IN NORRIDGEWOCK, Saturday at 3:06 p.m., a caller from Currier Drive reported a problem with an animal.

IN SKOWHEGAN, Saturday at 7:53 p.m., a theft was reported on West Front Street.

Sunday at 12:25 a.m., a disturbance was reported on Main Street.

1:08 a.m., a disturbance was reported on Beech Street.

8:59 a.m., an assault was reported on Mechanic Street.

IN WATERVILLE, Saturday at 9:39 a.m., a burglary was reported on Ticonic Street.

11:15 a.m., criminal trespassing was reported at Tractor Supply at JFK Plaza off Kennedy Memorial Drive.

2:26 p.m., harassment was reported at Waterville Housing Authority Kennebec Street complex on Dunton Court.

3:18 p.m., a theft was reported on College Avenue.

3:25 p.m., an assault was reported on Water Street.

5:46 p.m., threatening was reported at the Dollar Tree store on The Concourse.

7:26 p.m., an intoxicated person was reported at the Family Dollar store on The Concourse.

7:34 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported at Bull Moose Music at Elm Plaza.

8:37 p.m., an assault was reported at The Woodlands on West River Road.

9:16 p.m., a disturbance was reported on College Avenue.

9:37 p.m., an assault was reported at The Woodlands on West River Road.

10:49 p.m., a fight was reported on Main Street.

Sunday at 12:11 a.m., a case involving forgery or fraud was reported at Wal-Mart, at Waterville Commons.

ARRESTS

IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, Saturday, no time given, Lucas Campbell, 35, of Phillips, was arrested on a warrant.

Also Saturday, no time given, Hannah Blackburn, 25, of Westbrook, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence.

Sunday, no time given, Caleb Hipper, 27, of Livermore, was arrested and charged with OUI.

IN SOMERSET COUNTY, Saturday at 8:26 p.m., Hans McCabe Boelsterli, 20, of Kingfield, was arrested and charged with stealing drugs.

8:55 p.m., Mark David Zeytoonian, 56, of Skowhegan, was arrested on a warrant.

Sunday at 1:30 a.m., Eric Lane Spooner, 41, of North Anson, was arrested on two warrants.

IN WATERVILLE, Saturday at 12:07 a.m., John Sheehan, 34, of Waterville, was arrested and charged with assault and terrorizing, on Main Street.

Also at 12:07 a.m., Jared Jandreau, 33, of Waterville, was arrested and charged with assault, terrorizing and disorderly conduct, on Main Street.

Sunday at 12:30 a.m., Bobby Campbell, 50, of Waterville, was arrested and charged with obstructing government administration, on The Concourse.


Franklin County courts for Jan. 9-13, 2017

FARMINGTON — Closed cases for Jan. 9-13, 2017, in Farmington District Court and Franklin County Superior Court.

Joseph Buckman, 27, of Phillips, misuse of identification July 30, 2015, in Farmington; unconditional discharge. Operating vehicle without license Nov. 13, 2016, in Farmington; $150 fine. Violating condition of release Nov. 13, 2016, in Farmington; unconditional discharge.

Kristine Buker, 27, of Fairfield, criminal mischief March 29, 2016, in Farmington; $250 fine.

Joseph Cote Jr., 33, of Skowhegan, operating under the influence Dec. 7, 2016, in Farmington; $500 fine, 30-day jail sentence, 150-day license suspension. Operating while license suspended or revoked Dec. 7, 2016, in Farmington; $250 fine.

Kahner Dee, 22, of Jay, unlawful possession of scheduled drug June 28, 2016, in Jay; $600 fine, 48-hour jail sentence, one-year probation, $120 restitution. Unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs, same date and town; dismissed.

Charles Lee Gannon Jr., 24, of Rumford, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer March 23, 2016, in Jay; $300 fine, $1,180 restitution. Theft by deception and aggravated forgery, same date and town; dismissed.

Larry Guile, 63, of Lancaster, New Hampshire, failure to check traps in organized town Oct. 29, 2016, in Rangeley; $100 fine.

Ryan M. Haggan, 28, of Belgrade, assault May 20, 2015, in Farmington; $300 fine. Reckless conduct May 20, 2015, in Farmington; 10-day jail sentence. Criminal attempt and domestic violence assault, same date and town; dismissed.

Emery Haley, 23, of Jay, domestic violence assault Dec. 22, 2016, in West Farmington; dismissed.

Robyn Hamilton, 37, of Wilton, domestic violence assault Oct. 15, 2015, in Wilton; unconditional discharge. Domestic violence assault, same date and town; dismissed.

Jason A. Hawkins, 36, of Farmington, driving to endanger June 6, 2015, in Farmington; $575 fine, 30-day license suspension. Refusing to submit to arrest or detention, physical force, and operating under the influence, same date and town, dismissed.

Nicholas A. Henry, 32, of Carthage, possessing sexually explicit material of minor under 12 April 7, 2016, in Carthage; one-year jail sentence, all but seven days suspended, one year probation.

Jacob E. Jackson, 25, of Carthage, failing to stop for an officer May 7, 2015, in Carthage; unconditional discharge. Eluding an officer, same date and town; dismissed.

Timothy A. Koehler, 34, of Livermore Falls, driving to endanger Aug. 8, 2015, in Farmington; $575 fine, 30-day license suspension. Operating under the influence, same date and town; dismissed.

Scott Leo, 28, of Oakland, aggravated furnishing of scheduled drugs May 21, 2016, in Kingfield; $400 fine, two-year Department of Corrections sentence, all but six months suspended, two-year probation. Violating condition of release May 21, 2016, in Kingfield; six-month jail sentence. Aggravated furnishing of scheduled drugs and two counts furnishing liquor to a minor, same date and town; dismissed.

Matthew R. Morgan, 30, of Lewiston, driving to endanger April 11, 2015, in Carrabassett Valley; $700 fine, 12-day jail sentence, 30-day license suspension. Operating under the influence, same date and town; dismissed.

Jody Morris, 49, of Wilton, operating under the influence Sept. 18, 2015, in Jay; $500 fine, 150-day license suspension.

David W. Perry Jr., 38, of Wayne, operating under the influence April 22, 2016, in Jay; $700 fine, seven-day jail sentence, three-year license and registration suspension. Operating vehicle without license — conditions/restrictions, April 22, 2016, in Jay, and violating condition of release Dec. 17, 2016, in Jay; dismissed.

Gregory J. Precourt, 30, of Keene, New Hampshire, driving to endanger Nov. 18, 2015, in Farmington; $1,000 fine, five-day jail sentence, 30-day license suspension. Operating under the influence, same date and town; dismissed.

Ashley L. Pugsley, 19, of Hiram, use of drug paraphernalia June 26, 2016, in New Sharon; $350 fine.

Justin Robinson, 22, of Freeman Township, unlawful sexual contact March 27, 2016, in Freeman Township; three-year Department of Corrections sentence, all but nine months suspended, three-year probation.

David Roehrig, 38, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, motor vehicle speeding more than 30 mph over speed limit Sept. 13, 2016, in Strong; dismissed.

James Ross Sr., 57, of Phillips, placing bait to entice deer Nov. 15, 2016, in Phillips; $200 fine. Disposal of offal, littering Nov. 15, 2016, in Salem Township; $150 fine.

David S. Russell, 44, of Littleton, Massachusetts, operating vehicle without license Dec. 27, 2013, in Rangeley; $150 fine.

Constance Stinson, 74, of New Vineyard, driving to endanger May 29, 2015, in Farmington; $575 fine, 30-day license suspension. Operating under the influence, same date and town; dismissed.

Richard E. Storer, 20, of Chesterville, unlawful possession of scheduled drug Aug. 6, 2015, in Farmington; $400 fine. Passing a roadblock, same date and town; dismissed.

Maria Way, 52, of Farmington, theft by unauthorized use of property and failure to provide correct name, address, date of birth, Nov. 6, 2016, in Eustis; dismissed.

Kennebec Courts Feb. 9-15, 2017

AUGUSTA — Here is a list of cases closed Feb. 9-15, 2017, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Teague B. Adams, 36, of Lisbon, operating vehicle without license Oct. 8, 2015, in Augusta; dismissed.

Joshua A. Beaton, 19, of Houlton, minor possessing liquor Nov. 6, 2016, in Waterville; dismissed.

Alex L. Brumfield, 29, of Wiscasset, two counts of aggravated trafficking of schedule W drug Sept. 26, 2016, and Sept. 27, 2016, in Augusta; dismissed.

Brooke A. Chadbourne, 22, of West Gardiner, unlawful possession of scheduled drug Sept. 9, 2016, in Chelsea; dismissed.

Howard Mark Chapman, 60, of Bowdoin, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer April 30, 2014, in Augusta; $250 fine. Theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, same date and town; dismissed.

Benjamin F. Clifford, 28, of Berwick, operating while license suspended or revoked Sept. 7, 2015, in Gardiner; dismissed.

Cheryl Cunningham, 42, of Augusta, habitually truant student June 6, 2016, in Augusta; dismissed.

Ian Patrick Doherty, 31, of Augusta, failure to register vehicle Jan. 8, 2017, in Monmouth; $100 fine.

Jessica L. Foster, 27, of Augusta, possession of marijuana, up to 1.25 ounces, Nov. 18, 2016, in Augusta; $350 fine.

Nathan M. Geschwind, 27, of Readfield, operating while license suspended or revoked Sept. 19, 2016, in Monmouth; dismissed.

Dominique Harrington, 23, of Augusta, use of drug paraphernalia Aug. 17, 2016, in Augusta; dismissed.

Travis R. Jacques, 41, of Bath, unlawful possession of scheduled drug April 18, 2016, in Winthrop; $400 fine. Aggravated assault March 24, 2016, in Augusta; dismissed.

Katelyn A. Lavigne, 19, of Augusta, criminal mischief Sept. 8, 2016, in Augusta; dismissed.

Seth Martin, 27, of Bryan, Texas, assault Oct. 5, 2016, in Waterville; dismissed.

Almon W. Mitchell Jr., 51, of Fayette, operating after habitual offender revocation April 24, 2016, in Fayette; $1,000 fine, six-month jail sentence; violating condition of release April 24, 2016, in Fayette; six-month jail sentence.

Sara Palmer, 40, of Augusta, keeping dangerous dog Aug. 15, 2016, in Augusta; $250 fine.

Linwood M. Perkins, 56, of Augusta, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer Aug. 12, 2016, in Augusta; $200 fine.

Jason A. Peters, 25, of Norridgewock, domestic violence assault Aug. 30, 2015, in Clinton; dismissed.

Kathryn Ann Lois Rice, 35, of Fairfield, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer Oct. 26, 2015, in Waterville; 10-day jail sentence. Possession of hypodermic apparatuses April 22, 2016, in Waterville; 10-day jail sentence, one-year administrative release.

David C. Smith, 65, of Wayne, indecent conduct Aug. 18, 2016, in Augusta; $300 fine.

Laurie A. Steele, 50, of Auburn, motor vehicle speeding more than 30 mph over speed limit July 28, 2016, in Gardiner; dismissed.

Jennifer L. Thurlow, 26, of Augusta, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer Feb. 12, 2016, in West Gardiner; $200 fine.

Peter J. White, 48, of Monmouth, motor vehicle speeding more than 30 mph over speed limit April 18, 2016, in Manchester; dismissed.

Victor H. Wilson, 40, of Augusta, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer April 21, 2016, in Augusta; dismissed.

Denese A. Woodcock, 52, of Waterville, violating condition of release Nov. 24, 2016, in Chelsea; dismissed.

Kennebec Journal Feb. 19 police log

AUGUSTA

Saturday at 1:35 p.m., a Washington Street caller reported theft.

1:53 p.m., a Bangor Street caller reported indecent conduct.

4:46 p.m., one person was charged with assault following an incident reported by a Civic Center Drive caller.

7:03 p.m., one person was taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center after a disturbance reported by a Western Avenue caller.

7:40 p.m., a caller from Edison Drive reported a disturbance.

9:28 p.m., a caller from Bangor Street reported criminal trespassing.

10:38 p.m., one person was reported to have been arrested during a traffic stop at Western Avenue and Sewall Street.

HALLOWELL

Sunday at 1:42 a.m., a Water Street caller reported criminal mischief.

ARRESTS

AUGUSTA

Saturday at 6:40 p.m., Mitchell S. Spaulding, 48, of Freeport, was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence during a traffic stop at Western Avenue and Interstate 95.

7:10 p.m., Joseph M. Johnson, 38, of Augusta, was arrested on Chapel Street on charges of disorderly conduct, loud noise, private place and violating condition of release.

9:47 p.m., Donald William Robinson, 42, of Augusta, was arrested on Riverside Drive on a warrant.

Morning Sentinel Feb. 20 police log

IN BENTON, Sunday at 11 p.m., a domestic disturbance was reported on Neck Road.

IN BURNHAM, Sunday at 1:50 p.m., a structure fire was reported on Troy Road.

IN CANAAN, Sunday at 10:17 a.m., a caller from Main Street reported a problem with an animal.

Monday at 2:33 a.m., trespassing was reported on Bush Road.

IN CLINTON, Sunday at 6:50 p.m., harassment was reported on Hinckley Road.

7:56 p.m., threatening was reported on Pleasant Street.

IN FAIRFIELD, Sunday at 6:57 p.m., an intoxicated person was reported on Norridgewock Road.

IN HARTLAND, Sunday at 3:32 p.m., mischief was reported on Moore Street.

IN JACKMAN, Monday at 7:32 a.m., a snowmobile accident was reported on U.S. Route 201. Jackman fire and ambulance services responded, according to the report.

IN MADISON, Monday at 12:21 a.m., a disturbance was reported on Madison Avenue.

8:59 a.m., harassment was reported on Weston Avenue.

IN NORRIDGEWOCK, Sunday at 4:57 p.m., a snowmobile problem was reported on River Road.

8:41 p.m., a theft was reported on Beech Hill Road.

IN OAKLAND, Sunday at 10:21 a.m., a traffic accident causing injury was reported at the Oakland boat landing and park on Belgrade Avenue.

3:57 p.m., a fire was reported on Belgrade Road.

IN PITTSFIELD, Monday at 8:18 a.m., a caller from Noble Court reported a problem with an animal.

IN PITTSTON ACADEMY GRANT unorganized township, a snowmobile accident was reported on Pittston Farm Road. Rockwood Plantation fire units responded, according to the report.

IN ST. ALBANS, Sunday at 11:09 a.m., an automobile theft was reported at Spruce Grove Mobile Home Park.

IN SKOWHEGAN, Sunday at 5:14 p.m., mischief was reported on Greenwood Avenue.

6:36 p.m., mischief was reported on Jewett Street.

10:06 p.m., trespassing was reported on Water Street.

IN WATERVILLE, Sunday at 11:36 a.m., a caller from Rustic Charm on The Concourse reported an unwanted person on the premises.

12:04 p.m., a theft was reported at Arbo’s Towing and Repair Service on Drummond Avenue.

3:05 p.m., a caller from Mathews Avenue reported a problem with an animal.

4:27 p.m., a theft was reported at Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter on Colby Street.

9:44 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported on Main Street.

10:11 p.m., a case involving fraud or forgery was reported at The Big Apple store on Main Street.

10:39 p.m., a fight was reported on Celtics Drive.

IN WINSLOW, Sunday at 1:12 p.m., harassment was reported on Benton Avenue.

ARRESTS

IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, Sunday, no time given, Jake T. Halpin, 21, of Scarborough, was arrested and charged with violation of conditions of release.

IN SOMERSET COUNTY, Sunday at 10:12 a.m., Scott Wayne Anthony, 51, of Skowhegan, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, obstructing report of a crime and criminal mischief.

11:53 a.m., William Carl Wheeler, 35, of Madison, was arrested on two warrants and charged with theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, violation of conditions of release.

1:46 p.m., Szchcrod A.C. Kenney, 23, of Palmyra, was arrested on a warrant.

4:03 p.m., Ronald James Mayo, 47, of Skowhegan, was arrested and charged with domestic violence assault.

Monday at 12:37 a.m., Benjamin Scott Stevens, 27, of Jackman, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence.

IN WATERVILLE, Saturday at 9:11 p.m., Brent Poulin, 32, of Waterville, was arrested and charged with OUI and operating without a license.

Sunday at 12:45 p.m., Rebecca Mceachern-Gorman, 23, of Waterville, was arrested on a warrant.

SUMMONSES

IN WATERVILLE, Sunday at 8:45 a.m., Jordan Scott Clark, 25, of Canaan, was summoned and charged with theft by insurance deception.

7:44 p.m., Jenny L. Chamberlain, 35, of Fairfield, was summoned and charged with operating with expired license beyond 90 days.

Kennebec Journal Feb. 20 police log

AUGUSTA

Sunday at 7:37 a.m., a disabled vehicle was reported at Whitten Road and Western Avenue.

8:35 a.m., a disabled vehicle was reported on Stone Street.

10:13 a.m., a domestic disturbance was reported on Sewall Street.

11:38 a.m., there was a traffic accident on Riverside Drive.

12:16 p.m., disorderly conduct was reported on Mount Vernon Avenue.

12:26 p.m., harassment was reported on Pleasant Street.

12:55 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Bangor Street.

1:21 p.m., intoxicated persons were reported on Memorial Circle.

1:56 p.m., officers recovered needles on Pleasant Street.

3:47 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Northern Avenue.

4:38 p.m., a domestic disturbance was reported on Ridge Road.

8:16 p.m., disorderly conduct was reported on Stover’s Way.

8:52 p.m., criminal mischief was reported on Medical Center Parkway.

9:21 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Whitten Road.

Monday at 1:38 a.m., criminal threatening was reported on Medical Center Parkway.

ARREST

AUGUSTA

Sunday at 10:10 p.m., Benjamin R. Nadeau, 28, of Bath, was arrested on two outstanding warrants after officers responded to a medical call on Civic Center Drive.

In wake of shooting, Portland mayor wants to fast-track police body cameras

Mayor Ethan Strimling says Portland should move up its plan to purchase body cameras for police officers – but not just in response to this weekend’s shooting of a young man outside a strip mall on St. John Street.

“It’s just good policy,” Strimling said Monday, two days after the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Chance David Baker by a Portland police officer. “Anything we can add to help in these types of investigations is a good thing.”

The officer who shot Baker – Sgt. Nicholas Goodman – is on administrative leave pending an investigation, which is standard protocol, but Strimling and others said video footage could have aided that investigation.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine and the local group Progressive Portland also urged the city to outfit officers with body cameras in the wake of Saturday’s shooting.

“One thing we do know is that eyewitness accounts are not infallible. In this case, initial reports were that the victim was a middle-aged white man. He turned out to be a 22-year-old black man,” the ACLU said in a written statement. “We expect there will be many differing accounts of what happened in the moments leading up to the shooting as well. With that in mind, we urge the Portland Police Department to fast-track its body camera program. The department has earmarked money to implement body cameras starting in 2019, but we cannot afford to wait that long for this vital accountability tool. Introducing body cameras, along with proper policies to protect privacy and due process, will help us better understand what happens in these situations.”

Progressive Portland also said cameras could have helped.

“Witness reports are not completely consistent, and it’s far too soon to engage in speculation. But one thing is clear: If the incident had been recorded by police body cameras, we wouldn’t be so dependent on inconsistent eyewitness accounts,” the group said.

Some witnesses to the shooting Saturday at Union Station Plaza did take pictures and videos of the incident, but it’s not clear whether any of them would be turned over to investigators.

Witnesses said Baker was walking around the parking lot, screaming and pointing a gun at cars. Investigators later determined that it was a rifle-style pellet gun with a wooden stock and a scope that he bought that morning at a pawnshop in the strip mall.

When police officers responded, they found Baker still holding the weapon in front of a Subway restaurant. Baker was shot in the forehead, and his body fell onto the sidewalk outside the Subway restaurant and Happy Nails building near the corner of Congress and St. John streets.

The Maine Attorney General’s Office, as it does with all fatal shootings by law enforcement officers, will investigate Baker’s death to see whether Sgt. Goodman’s use of deadly force was justified.

It is extremely rare for a shooting not to be ruled justified. In 2012, the Portland Press Herald investigated all police shootings in Maine going back to 1990. In those 101 cases, the Attorney General’s Office ruled in favor of the officer every single time, and there hasn’t been a shooting since then where an officer hasn’t been cleared.

Goodman was involved in another fatal shooting back in 2008, which was ruled a justifiable homicide by then-Attorney General Steven Rowe.

Police departments across the country have begun to outfit officers with body cameras, partly in response to a rash of high-profile shootings by officers where eyewitness accounts differed from the narrative offered by police. Shootings are often hotly debated, dividing those who side with police in protecting the public at all costs and those who think officers might be overzealous in tense situations. Recent incidents that involved white police officers killing black people have inflamed racial tensions.

Some departments in Maine already have begun using body cameras, most recently in South Portland.

Strimling advocated for a trial program in next year’s budget and made his case at last Thursday’s finance committee meeting, just two days before the shooting.

“I know the city manager, the police chief and many city councilors share the desire to incorporate body cameras into our public safety procedures, and we have earmarked $400,000 for (fiscal year 2019) to this effort. But I urged the city manager that we include a small amount of seed money in (fiscal year 2018) to purchase the equipment to create a small trial program,” the mayor wrote. “Making this commitment now, as opposed to a year from now, ensures the community knows we are serious and will also allow us time to test the equipment and make necessary adjustments.”

On Monday, he said he would discuss whether to include the entire $400,000 in the 2018 budget instead.

“We want to do it right, but I don’t think we can afford to wait any longer,” Strimling said.

Deputy Police Chief Vern Malloch, who often acts as a spokesman for the police department, did not respond to a request for comment.

Eric Russell can be contacted at 791-6344 or at:

erussell@pressherald.com

Twitter: PPHEricRussell

Two charged in York County home invasion

One adult and one juvenile were arrested Monday after they allegedly forced their way into a home in Limerick and assaulted a boy and his sister.

York County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported home invasion on Maple Street in Limerick shortly after 3 p.m. They were told that two males forced their way in and confronted the boy over a prior disagreement, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

The two then assaulted the boy and his sister, who tried to intervene. Both siblings were taken to a local hospital but were not seriously injured.

After a brief investigation, deputies arrested Joseph A. Bagdanovich Jr., 19, of Limerick on a charge of burglary. He also will face charges of assault and criminal mischief at his initial court appearance, which is scheduled for Tuesday.

An identified juvenile, who allegedly assisted Bagdanovich, also was charged with burglary, assault and criminal mischief. He was released to his parents.


Officer in fatal Portland shooting had used deadly force before

Sgt. Nicholas Goodman, the officer who shot and killed 22-year-old Chance David Baker on Saturday, used deadly force once before in his 14-year career with the Portland Police Department, on a spring night when he feared for his life.

In that May 2008 incident, which was ruled justifiable homicide by then-Attorney General Steven Rowe just two months later, Goodman shot a 48-year-old man who was trying to evade arrest by driving away – with Goodman hanging half in and half out of the front window of the car.

The Portland man who died that day was Albert Wayne Kittrell, who had recently been arrested on a charge of operating a vehicle after suspension of his license. When Goodman stopped him for suspected vehicle violations, Kittrell gave him his brother’s name. But Goodman knew both brothers and was dubious. After he checked the information in his cruiser and found that Kittrell was in violation of bail conditions, he went back to the car and told Kittrell he was arresting him.

The scene, which played out over the course of 13 minutes, escalated when Kittrell lunged for the ignition. Goodman reached into the car to stop him and as the Ford Explorer accelerated, the officer clung to it. A second officer had flung himself in the passenger side and was trying to get his foot on the brake.

Goodman fired three times with his .45-caliber service revolver, hitting Kittrell twice in the left flank. He, like Baker, was later pronounced dead at Maine Medical Center.

Rowe’s ruling said that from Goodman’s perspective, deadly force was necessary “to protect himself from death or serious bodily injury.” Goodman’s leather boots were scraped and gouged after he was dragged 280 feet and he was treated at a hospital for injuries to his knees, hands, and face, “all the result of being dragged as well as falling from the moving vehicle.”

Assistant Chief Vern Malloch of the Portland police said in a statement Sunday that Goodman was the department’s Police Officer of the Year in 2015 and has received 22 unit citations as well as two awards for bravery.

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20110701_StandOff_GC

Nicholas Goodman, right, a member of the Special Reaction Team, carries a child after a standoff at the Riverton Apartments  in Portland in 2011. Goodman shot and killed Chance David Baker, who was armed, in a shopping center parking lot Saturday. Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer

Goodman has an associate degree in criminal justice and is an instructor at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October 2016 after serving as a narcotics investigator assigned to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

He is a member of the police department’s Special Reaction Team. He and other officers were called to Union Station Plaza about 11:10 a.m. Saturday in response to an emergency call saying a man was walking around the parking lot of the strip mall, screaming and pointing a gun at cars. Baker had just bought the rifle-style pellet gun – with a wooden stock and a scope – from a business in the strip mall, Coastal Trading & Pawn.

Witnesses described Baker as intoxicated, but store employees said he did not appear intoxicated. They were unaware of what was happening until more than a dozen police patrol cruisers descended on the parking lot.

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Clik here to view.

Portland police officer Blake Cunningham guards the crime scene during an investigation of a police-involved shooting Saturday at a strip mall on St. John Street. Staff photo by Ben McCanna

Goodman was placed on administrative leave and once again, as is standard procedure, the shooting will be reviewed by the Maine Attorney General’s Office. The Portland Police Department is also conducting a separate internal investigation, which will focus on whether the actions of the officer were within department policy, and if any training or policy modifications are necessary.

“Sgt. Goodman is a highly decorated officer who has never been the subject of discipline,” Malloch said.

Mary Pols can be contacted at 791-6456 or at:

mpols@pressherald.com

Twitter: MaryPols

Franklin County court for Jan. 16-Feb. 3, 2017

FARMINGTON — Closed cases for Jan. 16-Feb. 3, 2017, in Farmington District Court and Franklin County Superior Court.

Matthew Adams, 20, of Livermore Falls, operating while license suspended or revoked Feb. 2, 2017, in Jay; $500 fine.

Dylan C. Banden, 26, of Wayne, fish violation of number, amount, weight or size Dec. 15, 2016, in Chesterville; $120 fine.

Bryanna L. Belz, 23, of Wayne, domestic violence criminal threatening Aug. 21, 2016, in Kingfield; dismissed.

Mark Childs Jr., 28, of Mechanic Falls, violating protection from abuse order March 19, 2016, in Farmington; 10-day jail sentence. Terrorizing March 19, 2016, in Farmington; 10-day jail sentence. Violating protection from abuse order June 27, 2016, in Farmington; 17-day jail sentence. Violating condition of release June 27, 2016, in Farmington; 17-day jail sentence.

Charles A. Craig, 30, of Wilton, operating while license suspended or revoked Aug. 24, 2016, in Farmington; $600 fine, 12-day jail sentence, one-year license suspension.

Joshua M. Dunham Sr., 38, of Starks, motor vehicle speeding more than 30 mph over speed limit Oct. 9, 2016, in Farmington; $300 fine. Attaching false plates, same date and town; dismissed.

Brian Dunn, 28, of Farmington, assault Oct. 15, 2016, in Chesterville; dismissed.

Ted Dunn, no date of birth listed, of New Sharon, assault Oct. 15, 2016, in Chesterville; dismissed.

Dean Durrell, 50, of Madrid, loaded firearm or crossbow in motor vehicle Nov. 26, 2016, in Madrid; $200 fine.

Darcy Ellis Jr., 47, of Farmington, violating condition of release Jan. 14, 2017, in Jay; 72-hour jail sentence.

Leo J. Files, 40, of Hebron, operating under the influence Oct. 6, 2016, in Farmington; $800 fine, 150-day license suspension.

Kent C. Grant, 71, of Mount Vernon, false registration of deer Nov. 23, 2016, in Mount Vernon; $300 fine.

Guy E. Haines, 47, of New Vineyard, operating while license suspended or revoked Oct. 21, 2016, in Farmington; $750 fine.

William D. Hamel, 52, of Jay, operating under the influence March 3, 2016, in Jay; $1,100 fine, 30-day jail sentence, three-year license and registration suspension. Operating while license suspended or revoked, same date and town; dismissed.

Ira Hatch, 19, of Farmington, criminal mischief Sept. 13, 2016, in Farmington; $46 restitution, unconditional discharge. Violating condition of release Sept. 13, 2016, in Farmington; 48-hour jail sentence.

Dianna M. Henderson, 26, of Wilton, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer Feb. 10, 2015, in Farmington; one-year all-suspended Department of Corrections sentence, one-year probation.

Steven J. Knockwood, 42, of Jay, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer July 18, 2014, in Alder Stream Township; three-year Department of Corrections sentence, all but 30 days suspended, two years of probation.

Jeffrey R. Lamar, 21, of Norway, possession of marijuana, up to 1.25 ounces, Sept. 10, 2016, in New Sharon; $550 fine. Use of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of scheduled drug, same date and town; dismissed.

Eric S. Mastine, 31, of Jay, hunting from stand or blind overlooking deer bait Nov. 21, 2016, in Jay; $200 fine.

Mark D. McCormick, 33, of Farmington, domestic violence assault Dec. 1, 2016, in Farmington; dismissed.

Larry D. Ross, 50, of New Portland, operating under the influence June 24, 2016, in Oquossoc; $1,000 fine, 12-day jail sentence, three-year license and registration suspension.

Sayward Sweetser, 31, of Farmington, harassment Oct. 22, 2016, in Farmington; dismissed.

Lisa Veinott, 31, of Buckfield, operating under the influence Sept. 18, 2016, in Strong; $500 fine, 150-day license suspension. Unlawful possession of scheduled drug, same date and town; dismissed.

Adam J. Wallace, 28, of Livermore, operating under the influence Sept. 2, 2016, in Farmington; $500 fine, 48-hour jail sentence, 150-day license suspension.

Lucas J. Zale, 26, of Dixfield, driving to endanger Sept. 24, 2016, in Wilton; $575 fine, 30-day license suspension. Operating under the influence, same date and town; dismissed.

Morning Sentinel Feb. 21 police log

IN BENTON, Sunday at 11 p.m., a domestic disturbance was reported on Neck Road.

IN CANAAN, Tuesday at 7:45 a.m., a scam was reported on Tobey Road.

IN CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Monday at 1:16 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Mashie Lane.

IN CLINTON, Monday at 6:30 a.m., burglary was reported on Hinckley Road.

2:45 p.m., harassment was reported on Baker Street.

IN FAIRFIELD, Sunday at 2:23 a.m., suspicious activity was reported on Norridgewock Road.

6:57 p.m., an intoxicated person was reported on Norridgewock Road.

Monday at 11:04 a.m., trespassing was reported on High Street.

12:22 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Williams Street.

6:25 p.m., debris in the road was reported on Norridgewock Road.

8:08 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Davis Road.

IN FARMINGTON, Monday at 12:29 a.m., a brush fire was reported on Fairbanks Road.

IN JACKMAN, Monday at 1:51 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Main Street.

IN MADISON, Monday at 6:14 p.m., a civil complaint was reported on Weston Avenue.

Tuesday at 2:36 a.m., a call about a fire was taken from Horsetail Hill Road.

9:16 a.m., a complaint was made on Weston Avenue.

10:12 a.m., theft was reported on Weston Avenue.

IN OAKLAND, Monday at 12:10 p.m., harassment was reported on Heath Street.

2:59 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported on Oak Street.

4:22 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Allagash Drive.

Tuesday at 8:50 a.m., shots were reported to have been fired on Summer Street.

IN RANGELEY, Monday at 12:22 a.m., a disturbance was reported on Main Street.

IN SKOWHEGAN, Monday at 12:13 p.m., a civil complaint was reported on Indian Ridge.

1:38 p.m., a civil complaint was reported on Water Street.

2:34 p.m., trespassing was reported on Fairview Avenue.

6:34 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Waterville Road.

8:17 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Water Street.

8:53 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Water Street.

Tuesday at 4:09 a.m., a complaint was taken on Madison Avenue.

IN STRONG, Monday at 12:01 a.m., suspicious activity was reported on Farmington Road.

IN WATERVILLE, Monday at 10:08 a.m., shoplifting was reported on Waterville Commons Drive.

10:48 a.m., theft was reported on Main Street.

11:52 a.m., suspicious activity was reported on High Street.

12:25 p.m., shoplifting was reported on Waterville Commons Drive.

1:14 p.m., a liquor law violation was reported on Elm Street.

1:30 p.m., shoplifting was reported on Waterville Commons Drive.

2:47 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on The Concourse.

5:47 p.m., an intoxicated person was reported on Silver Street.

8:48 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on College Avenue.

9:02 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported on Oak Street.

IN WINSLOW, Monday at 11:22 a.m., theft was reported on Garland Road.

5:58 p.m., a domestic dispute was reported on Bellevue Street.

ARRESTS

IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, Monday, Suzanne Seams-Young, 54, of Kingfield, was arrested on a charge of failure to appear.

Ashley North, 26, of Jay, was arrested on a charge of failure to appear.

Spencer Knox, 22, of Carthage, was arrested on a charge of operating without a license.

IN SOMERSET COUNTY, Monday at 12:37 a.m., Benjamin Scott Stevens, 27, of Jackman, was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence.

12:26 p.m., Amanda Bourdeau, 29, of Waterville, was arrested on a warrant.

6:16 p.m., Whitney Ann Hall, 27, of Madison, was arrested on charges of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer.

9:25 p.m., Gregory Burton Hill, 25, of Skowhegan, was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct.

IN WATERVILLE, Monday at 10:23 a.m., Amanda Bourdeau, 29, of Waterville, was arrested on a warrant.

SUMMONSES

IN WATERVILLE, Monday at 11:45 p.m., Sulaika Berrios-Santana, 30, of Waterville, was summoned on a charge of operating without a license.

Tuesday at 5:26 a.m., Robert Palmer Berry, 45, of Unity, was summoned on a charge of operating with a license that was expired for more than 90 days.

Kennebec Journal Feb. 21 police log

AUGUSTA

Monday at 9:36 a.m., officers recovered property on Bangor Street.

9:46 a.m., a protection order violation was reported on Western Avenue.

10:54 a.m., officers served a protection order on Oak Street.

11:26 a.m., there was a traffic accident on Western Avenue and Crossing Way.

1:39 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Waldo and Washington streets.

1:55 p.m., liquor law violations were reported on Whitten Road.

1:56 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Bangor Street.

2:21 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Xavier Loop.

3:11 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Bangor Street.

3:32 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Western Avenue.

4:04 p.m., shoplifting was reported on Western Avenue.

4:54 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on Water Street.

5:21 p.m., theft was reported on Crossing Way.

5:29 p.m., suspicious activity was reported on North Chestnut and Bridge streets.

6:05 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Western Avenue.

6:15 p.m., disorderly conduct was reported on Water Street.

11:59 p.m., a domestic disturbance was reported on Stone Street.

Tuesday at 1:02 a.m., a disturbance was reported on Drew Street.

1:25 a.m., criminal trespassing was reported on Water Street.

1:49 a.m., a disturbance was reported on Western Avenue.

FARMINGDALE

Friday at 10:13 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Maine Avenue.

FAYETTE

Friday at 3:45 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Main Street.

GARDINER

Friday at 11:08 a.m., shoplifting was reported on Water Street.

1:48 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Water Street.

6:01 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Water Street.

7:20 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Pleasant Street.

9:35 p.m., harassment was reported on Tigertown Road.

10:48 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Water Street.

Sunday at 6:04 p.m., harassment was reported on Church Street.

Monday at 10:35 a.m., there was a traffic accident on Bridge Street.

JEFFERSON

Feb. 14, there was a traffic accident on Cape Hill Road.

Feb. 14, there was a traffic accident on South Clary Road.

LITCHFIELD

Friday at 3:57 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Route 197.

MANCHESTER

Friday at 9:51 a.m., officers responded to a possible suicide on Ingraham Street.

Saturday at 1:01 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Western Avenue.

MONMOUTH

Friday at 2:18 p.m., theft was reported on Route 126.

Saturday at 11:44 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Main Street.

Sunday at 9:02 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Tillson Road.

READFIELD

Saturday at 3:52 p.m., there was a traffic accident on Main Street.

Tuesday at 6:59 a.m., a car struck a deer on Fogg Road.

WAYNE

Sunday at 7:01 p.m., a car struck a deer on Main Street.

WEST GARDINER

Monday at 7:54 a.m., vandalism was reported on Neck Road.

WINTHROP

Saturday at 8:47 a.m., there was a traffic accident on U.S. Route 202.

ARRESTS AUGUSTA

Monday at 2:12 p.m., Mickey Leigh Labreak, 47, of Augusta, was arrested and charged with burglary, theft by authorized taking or transfer and a probation hold after a burglary was reported on Western Avenue.

8:49 p.m., Leo C. Dyer, 32, of Augusta, was arrested on three outstanding warrants after a simple assault was reported on Washington Street.

RANDOLPH

Sunday at 3:13 a.m., Timothy W. Estabrook, 35, of Sidney, was arrested and charged with violating condition of release, criminal mischief and theft by unauthorized taking or transfer after a suspicious person was reported on Water Street.

Fairfield man expected to stand trial next year for allegedly killing his wife

SKOWHEGAN — A Fairfield man charged with murder in connection with the death of his wife is expected to face trial sometime next year, now that a key court deadline has passed for the state to deliver what it has for evidence in the case.

Luc Tieman, 33, is charged in the shooting death of Valerie Tieman, 34, and burying her body in his parents’ yard in Fairfield. Valerie Tieman’s body was found Sept. 20 wrapped in a blanket and buried in a shallow grave behind Tieman’s parents’ home on Norridgewock Road. Luc Tieman was arrested and charged with murder the following day.

While no trial date has been set, Tieman is likely to stand trial sometime in 2018, according to the man’s lawyer, Stephen Smith, of Augusta. He said there have been no court proceedings since Tieman pleaded not guilty to the murder charge Nov. 18, and Tieman remains held without bail at the Somerset County Jail in East Madison.

Smith said the deadline for all discovery evidence was set for Feb. 18, but because that date was Saturday and with Monday having been the Presidents Day holiday, the deadline was essentially Tuesday.

The discovery process is a pre-trial procedure in which the prosecution provides the defense with all investigative reports, interviews and scientific results to be used as evidence when the case goes to trial. Assistant Attorney General Leane Zainea, who is prosecuting the case, did not return messages for comment on the case Tuesday or on the deadline for discovery.

“We’ve got the discovery; we’re working our way through it,” Smith said by phone Tuesday. “The discovery period is simply a deadline set by the court. In a criminal case, that deadline is typically required to be met by the state, and by that deadline they are required to provide the evidence they have to that date.”

Smith added that “the bulk” of all the discovery reports and other evidence has been received, but that it’s not uncommon to have other evidence trickle in during the months leading up to trial.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said in September that the death officially had been ruled a homicide and was caused by “gunshot wounds of head and neck.” Beneath the body were a bag of potato chips, a bottle of perfume and a note that “reportedly has an apologetic tone,” according to investigators.

Tieman pleaded not guilty in November to the murder charge in Somerset County Superior Court in Skowhegan.

Smith said Tieman continues to maintain his innocence but would not discuss what type of defense they would mount.

“Mr. Tieman has served his country honorably in several deployments, and we expect the public and the state to withhold judgment until trial,” he said.

Tieman is a disabled Army veteran who served in Iraq and reportedly suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Around 7 a.m. on the morning police arrested Luc Tieman in Waterville and charged him with killing his wife, his mother sent a text message a friend to say she was taking him to Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta to see a crisis counselor.

“Luc Tieman is an honorably discharged veteran,” Smith said outside the courthouse after Tieman’s initial appearance in court in Skowhegan. “He has served in combat zones, and we expect that the public will not exercise a rush to judgment. We believe at the end of this process he will be vindicated.”

Valerie Tieman had been reported missing Sept. 9 by her parents in South Carolina. The murder is alleged to have taken place Aug. 25 — 15 days before her parents reported her missing and five days before Tieman claimed his wife disappeared from the Wal-Mart parking lot in Skowhegan, but he did not report her missing.

In interviews with the Morning Sentinel, Tieman’s friends said he had been unfaithful to his wife and sought companionship with other women, telling them his marriage was ending around the time she disappeared.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

Twitter:@Doug_Harlow

Jefferson man wanted on domestic violence charges turns himself in

A Jefferson man turned himself in Tuesday at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Wiscasset after fleeing from the scene of a domestic violence incident Saturday in Jefferson before Lincoln County Deputies Dwight Fowles and Mark Bridgham arrived there.

Deputy Kevin Dennison and his police dog, Duke, also went there to help locate Wayne Little, 27, of Jefferson. After following tracks that led to a road, deputies think Little was picked up by a passing driver.

The sheriff’s office posted on Facebook on Sunday that it had reason to believe Little might be armed with a handgun.

Little is charged with aggravated assault (strangulation), domestic violence criminal threatening and obstructing the report of a crime. He is being held without bail at Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset pending a court appearance.

12-year-old girl testifies that former youth minister touched her inappropriately in Clinton

AUGUSTA — A 12-year-old girl testified Tuesday that the man who was co-director of a youth ministry group she attended touched her inappropriately in 2014 while she was in bed with the man and his wife.

The girl was the first witness called at the jury trial of Lucas Savage, 28, formerly of Clinton. He is accused of one count of unlawful sexual contact involving her that allegedly occurred in the fall of 2014 at his home.

Savage, who is represented by attorney Pamela Ames, pleaded not guilty to the charge in September 2016, and his trial began late Tuesday morning at the Capital Judicial Center.

Ames told jurors in her opening statement that Savage will take the witness stand to tell them directly that nothing sexual occurred.

“What you will find is a very disturbed girl who made this up,” Ames said. “He was a target because he’s a man.”

The prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh said in his opening statement that the offense occurred one evening when the girl was staying overnight at the Savages.

Cavanaugh said Lucas Savage carried the girl to the bedroom, and while “‘spooning’ put his hand between her legs and kept it there all night.”

The trial is scheduled to run through Wednesday and Savage is expected to testify as the defense portion of the case begins.

The prosecution finished presenting its evidence Tuesday afternoon.

According to the indictment, the offense took place sometime in the period of Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, 2014, at Savage’s home in Clinton.

The investigation began after the girl told her mother in February 2016 about the incident at Savage’s home, and her mother called Maine State Police.

According to a police affidavit filed in the case, the girl identified as the victim, now 12, told her mother that Savage “had put his hand down (her) pants” and left it there when she spent a night at his home. She said Savage had touched her inappropriately “about 30 times” and that the two had exchanged “secret kisses.”

On Tuesday, she testified he kissed her “when I was with him alone in the car and in the woodshop.” She said the kisses on her cheek and forehead were unwelcome and she told him to stop.

Savage was arrested in March 2016. At the time, he was co-director of Youth Haven Ministry, a nonprofit group offering free programs for children and teens, including weekly children’s and teen hangouts, classes and activities. The ministry is affiliated with, but not part of, the Canaan Calvary Church, which provided financial support to the ministry in the past.

Conditions of bail prohibit Savage from attending that church, which he and his family have attended for a number of years.

On Tuesday, the trial began later than anticipated as attorneys wrangled over whether the prosecution could introduce certain things at trial.

After a hearing that lasted more than two hours as jurors waited in an adjacent room, Justice William Stokes ruled that discussions that occurred May 31, 2016, and June 7, 2016, involving Lucas and Kellie Savage and Pastor Al Buzzell and his wife, Margaret, were covered by the religious privilege of Maine Rule 505 and could not be used.

The rule says, in part, “A person has a privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent any other person from disclosing, a confidential communication made to a member of the clergy who was acting as a spiritual adviser at the time of the communication.”

Savage took the stand at that pretrial hearing, saying that he now is living with his parents in Wilton, and saying he had sought the meetings with Buzzells because they were spiritual advisors and marital counselors.

Savage’s wife, Kellie, testified both at that hearing and then in front of the jury on Tuesday afternoon, saying she had stopped living with her husband March 24, 2016, after the Department of Health and Human Services stepped in, and that she filed for divorce in late October 2016.

Kellie Savage testified she wanted the Buzzells present at the meeting.

“I wanted to remain safe, and I wanted another set of ears,” she said.

Kellie Savage testified that the girl spent some nights at their house on occasions arranged by Lucas Savage, and other times the Savages brought the girl back to their home if no one was present at the girl’s home when they were dropping her off there after some athletic or youth event.

Testimony by Kellie Savage and the girl differed on a couple of points. The witnesses are not allowed to hear each other testify in the courtroom.

Kellie Savage said she gave the girl a pair of shorts to wear while her wet clothes were being dried, and the girl said Lucas Savage handed her the shorts.

Kellie Savage said that on an overnight trip to Boston in October 2014, she, Lucas and the girl stayed in the king-sized bed in the hotel. The girl testified that she slept on the couch.

Kellie Savage said the girl slept in their bed in Clinton twice — once when the three fell asleep while watching a movie, since the only TV set was in the bedroom.

Savage also said there was another time when she woke up in the morning and found the girl in their bed on the other side of Lucas.

“I informed him that was crazy,” she said, adding that Lucas Savage told her the girl was cold and that’s how she ended up there.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @betadams


Former Gardiner man sentenced for crack, heroin distribution conspiracy

An Alna man was sentenced to two years in prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and heroin in central Maine.

Bradford Christopher, 36, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court by Judge John Woodcock Jr. to two years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack, and heroin. He pleaded guilty to those crimes Oct. 13, 2016.

Christopher, formerly a Gardiner resident, conspired to distribute crack and heroin in central Maine, supplying drugs to co-conspirators, and driving them to houses where the drugs were sold, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. The crime occurred between May 2015 and August 2016.

The prosecution said Christopher sold an undercover law enforcement officer about 3.2 grams of crack for $500 on April 27, 2016, in Gardiner. An affidavit by an officer with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says Christopher sold the undercover officer five small bags of what appeared to be crack, part of which was purchased in the St. Joseph Church parking lot, and the rest of which was purchased at a Lincoln Avenue home.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.

Woodcock, in sentencing Christopher, said he had affected “how young people grow up” in central Maine, according to the release.

Waterville robbery suspect held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail

AUGUSTA — A Waterville man accused of robbing a gas station and convenience store is back behind bars in Maine in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Emmanual Hurtado, 26, is charged with robbery — a class A offense that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison — and a misdemeanor charge of theft, both of which allegedly happened early Jan. 28 at the Mobil on the Run in Waterville.

Hurtado is accused of using physical violence on a clerk at the store and of stealing cigarettes and/or cash.

Judge Tom Nale set the bail Tuesday when Hurtado made an initial court appearance on the charges via video from the Kennebec County jail. Hurtado’s next court hearing is set for May 11.

A condition of bail prohibits Hurtado from contact with the clerk and from being at Mobil on the Run in Waterville.

According to an affidavit by Waterville police Officer David Caron, the store clerk said a man forced his way through locked doors about 5:45 a.m. that day while she was counting money from the previous shifts.

The clerk said the intruder yelled, “Give me them cigarettes” as he approached her counter and then climbed over it. She said he grabbed some $10 and $5 bills from the register as she was trying to close it, and he took cigarettes from a display and other racks and put them into a small black trash can and fled with it.

A surveillance video showed the suspect with a red bandanna covering the lower half of his face and wearing camouflage pants and white sneakers as well as gloves.

Police later identified the suspect as Hurtado and obtained a warrant for his arrest after learning he had left the state with a woman on a road trip, apparently headed to Arizona.

The vehicle was stopped in Connecticut and Hurtado was arrested on the warrant from Maine.

He waived extradition and was returned to the state, arriving at the Kennebec County jail on Friday.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @betadams

Maine man wanted in domestic violence case surrenders

A Lincoln County man who allegedly tried to strangle a person during a domestic violence disturbance last weekend, turned himself into authorities Tuesday after eluding police for three days.

Lt. Michael Murphy of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the suspect, Wayne Little, 27, of Jefferson, surrendered to police after showing up at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on Route 1 in Wiscasset.

After the incident was reported Saturday, the sheriff’s office, in a message posted on its Facebook page, urged Little to surrender peacefully.

“The Sheriff’s Office has reason to believe Wayne may be armed with a handgun,” the department stated on Facebook.

The disturbance took place on Saturday afternoon at a home in Jefferson, but by the time deputies arrived Little had fled. The department used its police canine, Duke, to conduct “an extensive track” of Little that led them to a road, but the dog lost the track there. Police believe a motorist picked Little up and gave him a ride.

Little was being held Tuesday evening at the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset, where he has been charged with aggravated assault (strangulation), domestic violence criminal threatening, and obstructing the report of a crime.

He is being held at the jail without bail, pending his court appearance.

Jury clears former youth ministry director of unlawful sexual contact with girl

AUGUSTA — A jury cleared a director of a youth ministry program of unlawful sexual contact in 2014 with a 10-year-old girl.

Lucas Savage, 28, of Clinton, denied that allegation when he testified Wednesday morning on the second day of his trial at the Capital Judicial Center.

In response to questions from his attorney, Pamela Ames, Savage repeatedly denied touching the girl inappropriately.

The jury returned a verdict after about four hours. They returned to the courtroom about three hours after beginning deliberations after they sent a note saying they were having trouble reaching a verdict.

Justice William Stokes told them they should return to the jury room and continue working.

He also asked if they wanted to break for the night and return Thursday morning, and they opted to remain at the courthouse Wednesday evening.

After the verdict Savage hugged his attorney, his father and two other men who had sat on a bench behind him during the trial.

Outside the courthouse, Ames spoke on Savage’s behalf.

“We’re very elated that the jury found that this was a false allegation,” she said. “It’s too bad it’s taken a year in order to clear his name.”

Ames said Savage was supported by friends, family and a pastor from a new church in Wilton that Savage has been attending.

“His faith in God is very strong and clear,” Ames said.

District Attorney Maeghan Maloney said afterward via email, “I appreciate the jury’s time and commitment to this case. I believe the victim told the truth, and I appreciate her strength in coming forward. I hope this verdict does not discourage other victims from coming forward.”

About 20 people watched Savage testify about his involvement with Youth Haven Ministries, where he was co-director in 2014, and about his relationship with the girl and her family.

Savage described the group as a nonprofit “parachurch” ministry sponsored by a whole group of churches, which focused on children and families and was aimed at least partially at trying “to provide a good, moral sense of direction.”

He said the girl and her siblings attended the youth group as well as Canaan Calvary Church which his family and his wife’s family attended for years.

On Tuesday, the victim named in the indictment, now 12 years old, took the stand to describe an incident that occurred in Savage’s bed in the fall of 2014, saying he carried her from the couch into his bedroom, put her in his bed and put his hand between her legs all night.

Savage’s wife, Kellie, was in the bed at the time, the girl said.

The newspaper’s policy is not to publish the names of those who are identified as victims of sex crimes.

Savage said he never carried the girl to his bedroom, where the TV was located, but carried her from the bedroom to the couch when she fell asleep watching a movie.

On Wednesday he said he moved into his parents’ home in Wilton in March 2016 shortly after he was arrested on the charge and after the Department of Health and Human Services was called in and became involved with the family.

He responded with an enthusiastic “Sure” when Ames asked him to describe things at his home, in his woodworking shop and at the youth group.

Testimony Tuesday indicated the girl ended up in Savage’s bed three times — twice in Clinton and once when the Savage family brought her on a trip to Boston with them, although she denied the latter.

Savage said the girl was brought to his home by her mother.

Savage identified a series of color photos taken in January, February and March 2015 that depicted Savage and the girl and sometimes one or more of her siblings at his home, at her home and — smiling broadly — in his woodshop.

Savage testified that other children, boys as well as girls, stayed overnight at his home as well.

“We got to know a lot of families with Youth Haven,” he said.

The prosecutor objected when Savage answered questions by saying “we,” referring to himself and his wife, Kellie. Savage said it was hard for him to avoid it because he and his wife discussed a lot of things together.

Savage said they made an effort to pay attention to the girl because she had a lot of siblings and seemed to lack attention and frequently fought with her next younger sibling. He said the girl came over to his house when the Savages offered to help the girl with math after she was taken out of school so her mother could home-school her.

The prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh, cross-examined Savage briefly, asking whether he could have manipulated the dates indicated on the photographs introduced by Ames. Savage denied doing it.

Cavanaugh also questioned Savage about who slept where in the bed when the girl was with Savage and his wife.

Savage said he was always in the middle position.

Kellie Savage then returned to the stand to say that she was in the middle both in Boston and once at her Clinton home and that Lucas Savage was between her and the girl one time when Kellie Savage woke up and was surprised to find the girl was there.

Savage said the girl — who had gone to bed on the couch — was standing at the foot of his bed saying she was cold and he told her to hop in.

He said his wife approached him the next day to say, “I want you to go and talk with her to make sure that doesn’t happen again.” Savage said he did so.

In his closing argument, Cavanaugh told jurors the case came down to “a very stark choice” between believing the girl or Savage. “She says, yes; he says absolutely not.”

Ames told jurors, “The only element that is contested is whether my client subjected (the girl) to a sexual contact.”

She said the girl showed no behavior change after the dates the girl said the sexual contact occurred and that on the witness stand, the girl got upset only when talking about problems in school.

Prior to Lucas Savage testifying, his father, Kyle, took the stand and described the girl and a younger sister coming to his Wilton home in December 2014 with Lucas Savage’s family for four-wheeler rides and a meal.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @betadams

Protesters disrupt ceremony honoring Portland police chief

About a dozen protesters interrupted a ceremony honoring Police Chief Michael Sauschuck Wednesday night.

The protesters, angered by the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old black man by a police officer on Saturday, stood up, raised their hands and began shouting as Sauschuck was being honored by the City Council for being named Police Chief of the Year for 2017 by the Maine Association of Police.

Mayor Ethan Strimling adjourned the meeting until the protesters left. One of them is heard on video taken by WMTW-TV saying “and good job murderer” as she walked past the chief on the way out,

Outside City Hall, the protesters chanted “black lives matter” as Sauschuck got in his vehicle and drove away. They refused to speak to a reporter.

“I fully believe in people’s right to speak and protest and bring forward their feelings,” Strimling said in an interview after the meeting. “I also feel very strongly the chief deserved that award tonight.”

Sauschuck did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday night.

The demonstration, which erupted just before an agenda item for a proclamation about Black History Month, was prompted by the fatal shooting of Chance David Baker, who was killed by a police officer responding to reports that Baker was pointing a gun at cars and shouting obscenities. Baker had bought the pellet rifle from Coastal Trading & Pawn in the Union Station Plaza on St. John Street and he was shot in the plaza parking lot after refusing to follow officers’ orders, police said.

The shooting already had become a political issue at City Hall before the protest Wednesday.

Only two hours earlier, six city councilors held a joint news conference to show support for both Sauschuck and his plan to implement the use of body cameras by his officers. They emphasized that Sauschuck had been working with City Manager Jon Jennings for nearly a year on the best way to roll out the cameras, including a pilot program for the next fiscal year.

“It is very important for the public to be engaged and critical of city leaders and officials,” Councilor Belinda Ray said. “It is very important to remember that when we talk about our police force we have example after example of Police Chief Michael Sauschuck being an exemplary leader and really standing up for the community.

“As not in vogue as it is to have trust in your leader – this is a leader who deserves some trust.”

TENSIONS AT CITY HALL

The news conference came two days after Strimling and advocacy groups including the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine called on the city to equip police officers with body cameras a year sooner than planned, in response to Saturday’s fatal shooting.

In another sign of tensions permeating City Hall, Strimling was not invited to participate in the councilors’ news conference and he watched it from a short distance away.

The councilors said the plan always has been to start out by equipping a few officers with cameras to test the program, while working on policies to guide usage, storage and public access to the recordings before equipping all officers with cameras beginning July 1, 2018.

“It’s not a secret,” City Councilor Jill Duson said. “It’s been on the table for development for a bit.”

Councilor David Brenerman said the city also needs to negotiate the use of body cameras with the police union, in addition to developing a policy that incorporates input from officers and the community.

“We can’t start this program tomorrow,” he said. “We need to do this is a way that’s right for this community.

In an interview, Jennings said that the city plans to use $25,000 in an existing U.S. Department of Justice grant to purchase eight cameras and possibly seek additional grant funding to expand the pilot program, if needed. He said the city asked the DOJ for permission to reallocate the grant money last week and expects a response within the next week or so.

After councilors said during the news conference that the city had funding for the pilot program, Strimling, who watched the event from the City Hall rotunda steps, said that was the first time he had heard that funding had been secured. He originally had planned on seeking $50,000 from the city’s Capital Improvements Plan.

“If the money is there – that’s a great step forward,” he said.

BODY CAMERA DEBATE

In the longer term, Portland has earmarked $400,000 in the 2019 budget to equip all officers with the cameras.

The shooting unfolded when police were called to Union Station Plaza on St. John Street after receiving reports of a man wielding a gun and pointing it at vehicles, while shouting obscenities. Police said the man, later identified as Baker, refused to follow orders from officers.

Baker was ultimately shot by Sgt. Nicholas Goodman, who has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure while the incident is investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.

The Portland chapter of the NAACP and a newly formed political group, Progressive Portland, also have called on the city to speed up the implementation of body cameras.

During a news conference Tuesday, Sauschuck defended his officers and expressed support for body cameras. However, he said the presence of body cameras would not have made any difference in the outcome on Saturday. He also said that a police officer’s account of an incident is backed up 99.9 percent of the time by dashboard-mounted cameras, which have been used in cruisers for more than a decade.

Sauschuck also criticized Strimling and the advocacy groups, saying they were politicizing a tragedy that left a man dead. “I am saddened, I’m disappointed, and I’ll tell you I’m disgusted by any use of a tragedy to further some kind of political agenda around body cameras,” he said.

The national focus on body cameras arose after the Aug. 9, 2014, killing of Michael Brown, a black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown was shot by a white policeman who was later cleared of wrongdoing in the case. Intense scrutiny of the course of events, and early, sometimes contradictory information about how the shooting unfolded, led to widespread calls for more cameras and more transparency.

Now, federally funded research is underway to examine the cameras’ overall effect on law enforcement and community relations, and in 2015, the U.S. Justice Department offered $20 million in grants for departments to adopt the equipment and develop policies on their use.

South Portland police recently started using the cameras and initially drew criticism from civil liberties groups for not releasing their policies around the use of the technology.

Randy Billings can be reached at 791-6346 or at:

rbillings@pressherald.com

Twitter: randybillings

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