On 9-27-11 at approximately 0620 hrs Deputies responded to a report of a burglary at the T.A King and Sons business in Jonesport. During the investigation deputies found physical evidence and while speaking to people in the community linked that evidence to Franklin Perry, D.O.B 12/29/1981. During the investigation of the burglary at T.A King and Sons deputies were told that the Moosabec Variety store and Stewarts Grocery had been broken into as well. The investigation yielded evidence linking the Perry to all three burglaries.
Of the items stolen there were (in all 3 burglaries) $700.00, alcohol,cigarettes, laptop computer,scratch off lottery tickets and small amount of hand tools.
Upon trying to locate Perry, Deputies were in Stewarts grocery giving the clerks and owners a physical description of Perry, when Perry walked in the store. The deputies brought Perry outside and interviewed him. Perry had some of the stolen property on his person. Perry admitted to the breaks and Sgt. Randy Perry and Deputy Brandon Parker were able to retrieve some of the stolen property.
Perry was arrested taken to the Washington County Jail and charged with the burglaries. He being held on $5,000.00 cash bail.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Maine Forest Service IMT Mobilized to Texas to Manage Large Wildfires
Abilene, Texas
Due to the extreme fire danger and record breaking drought in most of the Southwest, the Maine Forest Service Incident Management Team (IMT) has been mobilized to West Texas. The Maine IMT, under the command of Southern Region Forest Ranger Lt. Jeffrey Currier, is working with a US Forest Service NIMO (National Incident Management Organization) team that has also been managing wildfires in Texas for several weeks.
Both teams were requested by the Texas Forest Service to provide extended attack support for large wildfires and relieve the local firefighters, who have been overwhelmed with nearly 13,500 fires since February. So far in 2011, over 3.3 million acres have been burned and 2181 homes and structures lost due to wildfire.
Since the IMT arrived on June 30th, the hot / dry weather and isolated “dry” lightning storms have started dozens of small fires. Fortunately, these fires have not exceeded the capability of the local firefighters. The Maine IMT is using this time to update their mapping and communication capabilities, attend Texas Forest Service briefings and prepare for a short-notice mobilization within Texas. The team is poised to any contingency present by the Texas Forest Service.
Once the local officials request the team to take control of a large wildfire, the Maine IMT will use their experience and leadership skills to manage the incident. The political system in Texas is quite different from Maine. Working with the county judges and sheriffs, as well the fire chiefs and local volunteer firefighters can be very challenging. As a means to meet this challenge, the Maine IMT has recruited Washington County Sheriff Office’s Deputy Chief Michael St. Louis, who will function as the liaison officer. As a Liaison Officer, St. Louis will be responsible for interfacing with local county government, law enforcement and emergency management official to facilitate team operations. His experience in law enforcement and emergency response make him a significant asset to the IMT.
Nine members of the Maine IMT are currently in Texas helping manage large wildfires.
Due to the extreme fire danger and record breaking drought in most of the Southwest, the Maine Forest Service Incident Management Team (IMT) has been mobilized to West Texas. The Maine IMT, under the command of Southern Region Forest Ranger Lt. Jeffrey Currier, is working with a US Forest Service NIMO (National Incident Management Organization) team that has also been managing wildfires in Texas for several weeks.
Both teams were requested by the Texas Forest Service to provide extended attack support for large wildfires and relieve the local firefighters, who have been overwhelmed with nearly 13,500 fires since February. So far in 2011, over 3.3 million acres have been burned and 2181 homes and structures lost due to wildfire.
Since the IMT arrived on June 30th, the hot / dry weather and isolated “dry” lightning storms have started dozens of small fires. Fortunately, these fires have not exceeded the capability of the local firefighters. The Maine IMT is using this time to update their mapping and communication capabilities, attend Texas Forest Service briefings and prepare for a short-notice mobilization within Texas. The team is poised to any contingency present by the Texas Forest Service.
Once the local officials request the team to take control of a large wildfire, the Maine IMT will use their experience and leadership skills to manage the incident. The political system in Texas is quite different from Maine. Working with the county judges and sheriffs, as well the fire chiefs and local volunteer firefighters can be very challenging. As a means to meet this challenge, the Maine IMT has recruited Washington County Sheriff Office’s Deputy Chief Michael St. Louis, who will function as the liaison officer. As a Liaison Officer, St. Louis will be responsible for interfacing with local county government, law enforcement and emergency management official to facilitate team operations. His experience in law enforcement and emergency response make him a significant asset to the IMT.
Nine members of the Maine IMT are currently in Texas helping manage large wildfires.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday June 28, 2011, Maine Marine Patrol Sgt. Troy Dow and Officer Gordon Faulkingham received a tip from a concerned citizen. The tip was of possible drug dealing in Machiasport. The two Marine Patrol Officers checked the location detailed by the citizen and located Jon Wright 42, of Machiasport and another male. The Marine Patrol requested assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Washington Counnty Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Richard Rolfe responded to the location. Through the investigation, Jon Wright 42, Machiasport was arrested in connection with the incident. It was discovered that Wright was in possession of a quantity of Canadian Oxycontin and Methadone. Marijuana, scales and $4600 in cash was also seized at the scene. Wright was charged with Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs, Class B, Unlawful Poossession of OxyCodone, Class C and Trafficking in Prison Contraband, Class C. His bail was set at $1500 cash. His arraignment is scheduled for August 22, 2011 at the Superior Court located in Machias.
Assisting the Maine Marine Patrol and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was Maine Warden Service Warden Alan Curtis and his K-9 Cruiser.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington Counnty Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Richard Rolfe responded to the location. Through the investigation, Jon Wright 42, Machiasport was arrested in connection with the incident. It was discovered that Wright was in possession of a quantity of Canadian Oxycontin and Methadone. Marijuana, scales and $4600 in cash was also seized at the scene. Wright was charged with Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs, Class B, Unlawful Poossession of OxyCodone, Class C and Trafficking in Prison Contraband, Class C. His bail was set at $1500 cash. His arraignment is scheduled for August 22, 2011 at the Superior Court located in Machias.
Assisting the Maine Marine Patrol and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was Maine Warden Service Warden Alan Curtis and his K-9 Cruiser.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Press Release 5-19-11
On Wednesday evening, May 18, 2011, Lt. Travis Willey and Deputy Brandon Parker of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a joint police operation in the Lubec area. As a result of the joint operation, Bracy Ashby, 45, of Lubec was arrested.
A bail check was completed and Ashby was found to be in possession of Hydrocodone. Ashby is being held at the Washington County Jail charged with Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs (Class C) and Violation of Bail.
A bail check was completed and Ashby was found to be in possession of Hydrocodone. Ashby is being held at the Washington County Jail charged with Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs (Class C) and Violation of Bail.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Lubec Home Invasion
On Wednesday evening, April 27, 2011, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from a Lubec resident reporting a residential burglary and assault. The male victim required medical attention and was transported to the Down East Community Hospital where he was treated and released.
Through the investigation two male suspects were arrested in connection with this incident. James Fitzgerald, 40, or Ellsworth and Michael Blanch, 35, of Silver Springs, Florida were each charged with Class B Burglary. More charges are expected in connection with the incident.
The suspects were transported to the Washington County Jail and bail was set at $5,000 cash. Arraignments are set for June 27, 2011 in Machias Superior Court for both suspects.
Deputy Keith York of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is the investigating officer and he was assisted at the scene by Sheriff Donnie Smith, Sgt. Richard Rolfe, Deputy Ryan Allen and Down East EMS.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
PRESS RELEASE
Through the investigation two male suspects were arrested in connection with this incident. James Fitzgerald, 40, or Ellsworth and Michael Blanch, 35, of Silver Springs, Florida were each charged with Class B Burglary. More charges are expected in connection with the incident.
The suspects were transported to the Washington County Jail and bail was set at $5,000 cash. Arraignments are set for June 27, 2011 in Machias Superior Court for both suspects.
Deputy Keith York of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is the investigating officer and he was assisted at the scene by Sheriff Donnie Smith, Sgt. Richard Rolfe, Deputy Ryan Allen and Down East EMS.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
OPERATION ROUND UP 2
On Thursday, April 22, 2011 the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and several other local law enforcement agencies conducted a joint operation in the western Washington County area.
Participating agencies from the Maine Forest Service, Maine State Police, Maine Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Milbridge Police and Probation/Parole conducted bail checks, probation checks, drug court checks along with warrants of arrest and general criminal information gathering.
Operation Round Up 2 was successful in charging several individuals who were booked into the Washington County Jail:
Nicholas Davis, 24, Harrington, Eluding/Attempting to Elude an Officer and Exceeding Posted Speed Limit by 30+ MPH, bail set at $750 cash; Jason Lisee, 36, Columbia Falls, Violation of Condition of Release, no bail; Larry Murphy, 37, Columbia, Warrant of Arrest, bail set at $480 cash; Kerry Nash, 50, Milbridge, Probation and Parole Charge, no bail allowed; Harry Newenham, 34, Steuben, Violation of Condition of Release, no bail allowed; Jamie Smith, 32, Addison, Violation of Condition of Release, no bail allowed.
The multi-agency operation continued to gather information into open investigations in numerous thefts, burglaries and other criminal conduct in the local area.
Anyone with information concerning criminal activities in Washington County are asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 255-4422.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
OPERATION ROUND UP 2
Participating agencies from the Maine Forest Service, Maine State Police, Maine Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Milbridge Police and Probation/Parole conducted bail checks, probation checks, drug court checks along with warrants of arrest and general criminal information gathering.
Operation Round Up 2 was successful in charging several individuals who were booked into the Washington County Jail:
Nicholas Davis, 24, Harrington, Eluding/Attempting to Elude an Officer and Exceeding Posted Speed Limit by 30+ MPH, bail set at $750 cash; Jason Lisee, 36, Columbia Falls, Violation of Condition of Release, no bail; Larry Murphy, 37, Columbia, Warrant of Arrest, bail set at $480 cash; Kerry Nash, 50, Milbridge, Probation and Parole Charge, no bail allowed; Harry Newenham, 34, Steuben, Violation of Condition of Release, no bail allowed; Jamie Smith, 32, Addison, Violation of Condition of Release, no bail allowed.
The multi-agency operation continued to gather information into open investigations in numerous thefts, burglaries and other criminal conduct in the local area.
Anyone with information concerning criminal activities in Washington County are asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 255-4422.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
OPERATION ROUND UP 2
Friday, April 15, 2011
Office of Maine State Fire Marshal
On April 14, 2011 Office of State Fire Marshal Investigators arrested two Washington County men on charges of Arson. The charges stemmed from the investigation of an April 3, 2010 fire which destroyed a seasonal dwelling on the Ox Cove Road in Pembroke, Maine.
Levi Woodman, 18, of Perry, was arrested without incident at his residence and transported to the Washington County Jail where bail was set at $25,000 cash. Jeremy Farley, 22, of Baring, was served at the Washington County Jail where he was being held on other charges. Both men remained in jail overnight awaiting their initial court appearances.
The arrests developed from intelligence gathered during Operation Round Up #1 conducted on April 7, 2011 (4:00 pm) into the early morning hours of April 8, 2011 (3:00 am) by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service in the Town of Perry, Maine and surrounding areas. The operation was also assisted by the Maine State Police, the Pleasant Point Police Department and the Calais Police Department.
The purpose of Operation Round Up #1 was to gather intelligence to assist with the investigation of a rash of fires and burglaries in the Perry, Pembroke and Pleasant Point areas over the last two years. The Operation conducted bail checks, probation checks, drug court checks and warrant arrests for the targeted area.
Anyone with additional information is requested to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Senior Investigator Tim Lowell at (207) 532-5405 or 1-800-924-2261, the Maine Forest Service, Sergeant Courtney Hammond at 1-800-987-0257 or the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Travis Willey at (207) 255-4422.
Levi Woodman, 18, of Perry, was arrested without incident at his residence and transported to the Washington County Jail where bail was set at $25,000 cash. Jeremy Farley, 22, of Baring, was served at the Washington County Jail where he was being held on other charges. Both men remained in jail overnight awaiting their initial court appearances.
The arrests developed from intelligence gathered during Operation Round Up #1 conducted on April 7, 2011 (4:00 pm) into the early morning hours of April 8, 2011 (3:00 am) by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service in the Town of Perry, Maine and surrounding areas. The operation was also assisted by the Maine State Police, the Pleasant Point Police Department and the Calais Police Department.
The purpose of Operation Round Up #1 was to gather intelligence to assist with the investigation of a rash of fires and burglaries in the Perry, Pembroke and Pleasant Point areas over the last two years. The Operation conducted bail checks, probation checks, drug court checks and warrant arrests for the targeted area.
Anyone with additional information is requested to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Senior Investigator Tim Lowell at (207) 532-5405 or 1-800-924-2261, the Maine Forest Service, Sergeant Courtney Hammond at 1-800-987-0257 or the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Travis Willey at (207) 255-4422.
Friday, April 8, 2011
THE WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND DOWNEAST COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ARE TAKING BACK UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS APRIL 30 AT HANNAFORD SUPER MARKET
Machias Maine– On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff's along with DownEast Community Hospital ] and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications to Hannaford Super Market US Route one Machias, The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds—121 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Four days after last fall’s event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA has begun drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months. Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like The Washington County Sheriff's Office and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.
Sheriff Doniie Smith
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds—121 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Four days after last fall’s event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA has begun drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months. Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like The Washington County Sheriff's Office and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.
Sheriff Doniie Smith
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Operation Round Up #1
April 8, 2011
On April 7, 2011 (4:00 pm) into the early morning hours of April 8, 2011 (3:00 am) the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service conducted Operation Round Up #1 in the Town of Perry, Maine. The operation was also assisted by the Maine State Police, the Pleasant Point Police Department, the Eastport Police Department and the Calais Police Department.
The purpose of Operation Round Up #1 was to gather intelligence to assist with the investigation of a rash of fires and burglaries in the Perry, Pembroke and Pleasant Point areas over the last two years. The Operation conducted bail checks, probation checks, drug court checks and warrant arrests for the targeted area.
A Incident Command was established at the Perry Fire Department with the assistance of the Office of the State Fire Marshal who provided the Mobile Command Vehicle and the Maine Forest Service. The Command Center included a information and intelligence gathering unit consisting of a mix of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service.
The operation was very successful with information provided by all subjects arrested and the general public. Information continues to be provided to the agencies into the afternoon of April 8, 2011. The Office of the Fire Marshal will continue the investigation with results expected from the information gathered during the operation.
The following subjects arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail as a result of the operation are as follows: Abel Burse, 31 years old from Eastport, violation of bail, no bail allowed; Carlton Cooper, 32 years old from Cooper, unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs, bail set at $750.00 cash; Jeremy Farley, 22 years old from Baring, violation of bail, no bail allowed; Dylan Francis 30 years old from Pleasant Point, violation of bail, no bail allowed; James Lintott, 64 years old, from Eastport, violation of bail, no bail allowed; Crystal Roussel, 27 years old from Cooper, unlawful trafficking in schedule drugs, bail set at $750.00 cash; William Smith, 40 years old from Pleasant Point, violation of bail, no bail allowed; three other arrest were made with release at the Incident Command. The names and charges of the three are not being released to protect the information gathered.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Senior Investigator Tim Lowell at (207) 532-5405 or 1-800-924-2261, the Maine Forest Service, Sergeant Courtney Hammond at 1-800-987-0257 or the the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Travis Willey at (207) 255-4422.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington County Sheriff's Office.
On April 7, 2011 (4:00 pm) into the early morning hours of April 8, 2011 (3:00 am) the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service conducted Operation Round Up #1 in the Town of Perry, Maine. The operation was also assisted by the Maine State Police, the Pleasant Point Police Department, the Eastport Police Department and the Calais Police Department.
The purpose of Operation Round Up #1 was to gather intelligence to assist with the investigation of a rash of fires and burglaries in the Perry, Pembroke and Pleasant Point areas over the last two years. The Operation conducted bail checks, probation checks, drug court checks and warrant arrests for the targeted area.
A Incident Command was established at the Perry Fire Department with the assistance of the Office of the State Fire Marshal who provided the Mobile Command Vehicle and the Maine Forest Service. The Command Center included a information and intelligence gathering unit consisting of a mix of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service.
The operation was very successful with information provided by all subjects arrested and the general public. Information continues to be provided to the agencies into the afternoon of April 8, 2011. The Office of the Fire Marshal will continue the investigation with results expected from the information gathered during the operation.
The following subjects arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail as a result of the operation are as follows: Abel Burse, 31 years old from Eastport, violation of bail, no bail allowed; Carlton Cooper, 32 years old from Cooper, unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs, bail set at $750.00 cash; Jeremy Farley, 22 years old from Baring, violation of bail, no bail allowed; Dylan Francis 30 years old from Pleasant Point, violation of bail, no bail allowed; James Lintott, 64 years old, from Eastport, violation of bail, no bail allowed; Crystal Roussel, 27 years old from Cooper, unlawful trafficking in schedule drugs, bail set at $750.00 cash; William Smith, 40 years old from Pleasant Point, violation of bail, no bail allowed; three other arrest were made with release at the Incident Command. The names and charges of the three are not being released to protect the information gathered.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Senior Investigator Tim Lowell at (207) 532-5405 or 1-800-924-2261, the Maine Forest Service, Sergeant Courtney Hammond at 1-800-987-0257 or the the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Travis Willey at (207) 255-4422.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
MDEA
The Washington County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the MDEA has been unable to account for approximately $2,480.00 of State money that has been missing since approximately January 2008.
This issue first came to the attention of the Washington County Sheriff's Office as a result of rumors. Initial inquires made to the MDEA to both Commander Darrell Crandall and Director Roy McKinney revealed very little information surrounded by a cloud of secrecy.
Washington County Sheriff's Office has been, and continues to be, committed to aggressive enforcement of illegal drug laws and ,in furtherance of that commitment, has routinely assigned deputies to the MDEA. Washington County Sheriff's Office, as well as several other law enforcement agencies, had officers assigned to the MDEA at the time the money went missing. It is imperative to identify and report what happened to the money so that officers who did nothing wrong can be cleared and, to hold accountable whoever is responsible.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office has done a limited investigation which began with a request for documents, including investigative reports from the MDEA. The MDEA refused to provide any documents and which required the Washington County Sheriff's Office to file suit against the MDEA under Maine’s Freedom of Information Law. That law suit is currently pending in Penobscot County Superior Court.
Washington County Deputies who were assigned or are assigned to the MDEA have been interviewed. The Washington County Sheriff's Office does not have the ability to interview officers from other agencies who may have been assigned to MDEA at the time.
The results of our investigation, which is ongoing, has revealed the following:
•A Maine State check, in the amount of approximately $2500 was made payable to an agent with MDEA in January.
•The agent cashed the check.
•The agent has not accounted for $2,480.00 of the money.
•The agent did not report matter to MDEA for several months
•MDEA discovered the missing money during a routine audit.
•MDEA Director Roy McKinney did not do any investigation.
•MDEA Commander Darrell Crandall did not do any investigation.
•The Maine Attorney General’s Office did not do any investigation.
•MDEA did not interview any agents.
•Former Maine Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan did not require an investigation to be completed.
•No agents have been cleared.
•No agents have been accused.
•The agent, to whom the check was made payable, was told by Commander Crandall to repay the money without knowing if that agent was responsible.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office remains concerned that this kind of situation could happen within a law enforcement agency and even more concerned that the MDEA refused to investigate the matter and, rather, chose to cover it up.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office investigation is ongoing and will consider any information that may be released as a result of the Freedom of Information law suit. No date has been set for the Judge’s decision regarding MDEA’s refusal to release documents and information to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
This issue first came to the attention of the Washington County Sheriff's Office as a result of rumors. Initial inquires made to the MDEA to both Commander Darrell Crandall and Director Roy McKinney revealed very little information surrounded by a cloud of secrecy.
Washington County Sheriff's Office has been, and continues to be, committed to aggressive enforcement of illegal drug laws and ,in furtherance of that commitment, has routinely assigned deputies to the MDEA. Washington County Sheriff's Office, as well as several other law enforcement agencies, had officers assigned to the MDEA at the time the money went missing. It is imperative to identify and report what happened to the money so that officers who did nothing wrong can be cleared and, to hold accountable whoever is responsible.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office has done a limited investigation which began with a request for documents, including investigative reports from the MDEA. The MDEA refused to provide any documents and which required the Washington County Sheriff's Office to file suit against the MDEA under Maine’s Freedom of Information Law. That law suit is currently pending in Penobscot County Superior Court.
Washington County Deputies who were assigned or are assigned to the MDEA have been interviewed. The Washington County Sheriff's Office does not have the ability to interview officers from other agencies who may have been assigned to MDEA at the time.
The results of our investigation, which is ongoing, has revealed the following:
•A Maine State check, in the amount of approximately $2500 was made payable to an agent with MDEA in January.
•The agent cashed the check.
•The agent has not accounted for $2,480.00 of the money.
•The agent did not report matter to MDEA for several months
•MDEA discovered the missing money during a routine audit.
•MDEA Director Roy McKinney did not do any investigation.
•MDEA Commander Darrell Crandall did not do any investigation.
•The Maine Attorney General’s Office did not do any investigation.
•MDEA did not interview any agents.
•Former Maine Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan did not require an investigation to be completed.
•No agents have been cleared.
•No agents have been accused.
•The agent, to whom the check was made payable, was told by Commander Crandall to repay the money without knowing if that agent was responsible.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office remains concerned that this kind of situation could happen within a law enforcement agency and even more concerned that the MDEA refused to investigate the matter and, rather, chose to cover it up.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office investigation is ongoing and will consider any information that may be released as a result of the Freedom of Information law suit. No date has been set for the Judge’s decision regarding MDEA’s refusal to release documents and information to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Friday, February 11, 2011
Public Safety Announcement
The Washington County Sheriffs Office would like to remind snowplow drivers it is illegal to leave snow in roadway while plowing.
A fine of $165.00 may be imposed by the court for violation of this infraction.
Your attention in this matter will be appreciated.
Thank You
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington County Sheriff's Office
A fine of $165.00 may be imposed by the court for violation of this infraction.
Your attention in this matter will be appreciated.
Thank You
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington County Sheriff's Office
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