Drive By Shooting

12-17-2009 at approximately 0150 hours the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reference a “Drive by Shooting” at 120 Main Street in Milbridge. Sgt. Randy Perry responded to the incident.

Upon investigation Sgt. Perry found that suspect(s) had fired more than one round into the residence of Mr. Oscar Cruiz. The shots appear to be fired from the roadway in front of the residence. During the incident Mr. Cruiz was struck by one of the small caliber rounds as it passed through an exterior wall and into a bedroom. Mr. Cruiz was not significantly hurt due to the round loosing a significant amount of velocity. No medical treatment was needed.

After further investigation a link to a motor vehicle accident the previous day was identified. From the accident a suspect was identified. Mr. Cruiz had been involved in a simple motor vehicle accident with Ms. Jade Giger and Mr. Sherman Merchant, both of the Milbridge area.

Mr. Sherman Merchant was later arrested in Milbridge on an outstanding warrants from Hancock County District Court.

Through further joint investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Maine State Police, and the Milbridge Police Department three (3) suspects related to the shooting incident were then identified, 2 adult males and 1 juvenile.

Late in the evening on 12-17 Mr. Sherman L. Merchant (10-19-1984) and Mr. Benjamin T. Ray (12-10-1981) were both arrested on Aggravated Reckless Conduct with a Firearm and booked into the Washington County Jail. Bail was set on both subjects at $25,000 cash, substance conditions, and no contact with the victim and several witnesses. Both subjects remain in custody at this time pending initial court appearances on Monday. The name of the juvenile is not being released.

The incident is also being referred to the Maine Attorney General's Office for review by their office for possible racial/hate crime involvement.

Also as a result of this investigation 2 subjects were detained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and turned over to the Maine Drug Enforcement Task Force. Mr. Victor Stanwood (12-1-1961) and Mrs. Donna Stanwood (8-26-1961) were both arrested by Special Agent Richard Rolfe of the Task Force for Illegal Possession of Schedule Drugs. Mrs. Standwood was allowed to post bail, but Mr. Stanwood remains in custody on a further violation of conditions of release pending initial court appearance on Monday.

For further information on this matter contact Lt. Travis Willey of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County Sheriff's Office

Assault on Officer

On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at approximately 9:50 AM, Chief Philip Harriman of the Baileyville Police Department was attempting to serve a Protection from Harassment Order at 307 Main Street in Baileyville.

During the service of the order, Chief Harriman sustained facial injuries from an altercation with a David Troy, 49 years of age , of Baileyville.

Chief Harriman was transported to Calais Regional Hospital and was later released.

As a result of the altercation, David Troy was arrested for Assault on an Officer, and was transported to the Washington County Jail in Machias.

Officers from, the Calais Police Department, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Maine State Police, US Border Patrol, Indian Township Police Department, and Vescom Security assisted at the scene.

The incident will be investigated by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Bail has been set at $5,000.00 cash.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Motor Vehicle Accident

On Thursday evening around 6 PM on 11/05/09 Deputy Tom Chambers was responding to a complaint involving a medical emergency

He was traveling east on Route 214 in Charlotte when he lost control of his 2010 Impala police car after attempting to avoid hitting a moose.

Deputy Chambers was trapped in this vehicle for about an hour before EMS could arrive.

He was then transported to Calais Regional Hospital and than later transported to Easter Maine General Hospital in Bangor were he spent the night.

Deputy Chambers was released on Friday, 11/06/09.

Deputy Chambers did not receive any serious injury from result of the crash.

Maine State Police Trooper Greg Burns is investigating the accident and Sgt. Tim Tabbutt of the Washington County Sheriff's Office is reconstructing the accident.

I want to thank Marine Patrol Office Dave Dent for his assistance along with Charlotte Fire and Rescue, Calais EMS, Downeast EMS, Boarder Patrol, Machias,Calais,Pleasant Point and Eastport Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

The police car was total was total loss.

Deputy Chambers is a 3 year veteran officer with the Sheriff's Office.
He is also the Sheriff's Office K-9 Officer.

K-9 Liberty was not with Deputy Chambers at the time of the crash.

Thanks.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Don’t Let Halloween Turn into a Horror Story

Be responsible and remember Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Halloween is a much-loved fall tradition that is enjoyed by people of all ages. But irresponsible celebrating can quickly spoil all of the fun. That is why the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and the Washington County Sheriff's Office is reminding everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

“With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, we want to remind revelers to be responsible by not taking the party to the roadways, putting themselves, trick-or-treaters and other motorists at risk,” said Lauren Stewart, Director, MeBHS.

Nation-wide, Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 pm Oct. 31 to 5:59 am Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state. For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

“One foolish decision can turn a fun Halloween into a real-life horror story,” said Stewart. “There are simple precautions partygoers can take such as designating a sober driver in advance or taking a taxi.”

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and the Washington County Sheriff's Office also recommends these simple tips:

1. Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
2. Before drinking, please designate a sober driver;
3. If you’re impaired, and haven't designated a sober driver, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation where available so you are sure to get home safely;
4. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call your local law enforcement immediately.

Another “scary” issue on Halloween is pedestrian safety. “Motorists should be aware that young children and adults will be out on Halloween night,” said Stewart “We hope that they will be wearing bright and reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight when walking in the dark. However, that may not always be the case.”

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and the Washington County Sheriff's Office recommends these tips for trick-or-treaters and all pedestrians:

• Wear bright colors or reflective clothing, and carry a flashlight;
• Always walk facing traffic;
• Stay on sidewalks and cross walks where available, and cross at intersections;
• Cross when it is clear. Keep looking for cars as you cross;
• Do not let kids play near traffic or cross the street by themselves. Kids are small, and drivers may not see them if they run into the street;

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and the Washington County Sheriff's Office hopes that this Halloween will be a safe one for everyone.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County Sheriff's Office

(www.wcsheriffsoffice.com)

Posted by Chessie Johnson at 1:39 PM

Tractor Accident in Holmes Falls

On 9-24-2009 at approximately 1030 hours the Washington County Sheriffs Office received a report of a serious tractor accident in the area of Holmes Falls on the Machias River in Northfield. Upon responding an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office found that a John Deer Farm tractor had been traveling south along the Bear Brook Road. Upon crossing the bridge at Holmes Falls the male operator lost control of the tractor. The tractor struck the side of the bridge and rolled into the Machias River. Upon impact the driver was entrapped under the tractor and was killed. The operator of the tractor was identified as Mr. Johnathan Brock 21 years old from Addison, Maine. Mr. Brock was working for Cherryfield Foods Inc., who is the owner of the equipment. The investigation suggests that speed might be a factor in the accident. Agencies that assisted the Sheriff’s Office included the Maine Marine Patrol, the Maine Warden Service, Maine State Police, the Maine Forest Service, Columbia Fire Department, and Pleasant River Ambulance. The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

Large Scale Marijuana Growing Operation

The Washington County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force/MDEA, joined by Federal Border Patrol, the Maine State Police, the Maine Warden Service, The Maine Forest Service, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are conducting an investigation of a large-scale marijuana growing operation in the area of Horse Lake in Township #37.The investigation remains active and no additional information will be forthcoming before Wednesday afternoon (9-23). The Point of Contact for all media calls on this event will be forwarded to Sheriff Donnie Smith 255-4422 or MDEA Commander Darrell Crandall at 557-0510.

Sheriff’s Deputies responded to this incident in a support role for the operation.

Security issues were actively addressed by all departments until early evening where

the scene(s) were secured until daylight could permit further ground operations.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Steuben Fatal Vehicle Crash

The Washington County Sheriff's Office covered a double fatal vehicle crash on Us-rt# 1 in Steuben on the evening of August 25, 2009. Details of the crash are: At 9:34 pm on August 25, 2009 the Washington County Regional Communication Center in Machias received multiple 9-1-1 calls of a serious 2 vehicle traffic crash in the Town of Steuben on Us-rt# 1. Sergeant Randy Perry arrived at the 2 vehicle crash at the intersection of Us-rt#1 and the East Side Road in Steuben. Two sets of JAWS were used from Steuben Fire and Cherryfield Fire Departments to extricate the victims.

Zachary Dean, 17 yoa from Columbia Falls, Maine was driving a 2001, Chevy, Cavalier on the East Side Road in Steuben at a high rate of speed headed for the intersection of Us-rt#1. Mr Dean did not stop for the Stop sign at the intersection of Us-rt#1 and the East Side Road and drove into the path of Brooke Burgess, 31 yoa, from Steuben, Maine operating a 2003, Jeep, Liberty. Zachary Dean and one of his passengers Morgan Parritt, 15 yoa, from Steuben died as a result of the crash.

Another 12 yoa female passenger in Mr Deans vehicle was injured in the crash and is being treated for injuries.

Brooke Burgess was traveling with her husband and daughter at the time of the crash and did not receive injuries.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the following agencies; The Maine State Police; Hancock County Sheriff's Office; Machias Police Department: Steuben Fire Department; Cherryfield Fire Department; Cherryfield Ambulance Service; Milbridge Ambulance Service; Pleasant River Ambulance Service; County Ambulance Service;

Mr. Tibbetts, a retired State Trooper, former Washington County Sheriff and a former State Representative charged

On 8-13-2009 at approximately 2039 hours the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of Reckless Conduct with a Firearm in Township 19 MD.

After an investigation by Sgt. Randy Perry of the Washington County Sheriff's Office he found that an armed confrontation had taken place on a dead end road on the Barrens in Columbia.

Mr. Kevin Merritt, Mrs. Melinda Church, and her two children ages four and seven, were riding along that road when Mr. Joseph Tibbetts stopped them.

A brief face-to-face exchange followed. During the exchange between the parties Mr. Tibbetts was reported to have displayed a firearm.

The couple and their children left the area and called 911.

The investigation progressed over the next few days.

On 8-17-2009 an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Tibbetts, Date of birth, 07/09/1948, of Columbia, Maine.

Mr. Tibbetts ,a retired State Trooper, former Washington County Sheriff and a former State Representative was charged with Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon Class C and Threatening Display of a Weapon Class D.

On the afternoon of 8-17-2009 Mr. Tibbetts was placed under arrest by Sgt. Randy Perry of the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Miles Carpenter of the Maine State Police.

He was arrested without incident and transported to the Washington County Jail where he was released on $5,000.00 unsecured cash bail.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County

Sheriff's Office

On or about 7-16-2009 at approximately 1300 hours Lt. Travis Willey and Sgt. Randy Perry were conducting a criminal investigation in the Columbia Falls area. The investigation involved a stolen outboard motor from the Jonesport area that was recovered last week at Mr. Vance Merritt’s residence in Columbia Falls. Lt. Willey and Sgt. Perry went to Mr. Merritt’s residence to interview him in reference to that matter.

Upon arriving at the Merritt residence the investigation progressed and turned from a stolen property investigation to a drug investigation. As a result of that investigation Mr. Merritt was placed in custody for Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs, class B. Special Agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and other Washington County Deputies then responded to the scene to assist. A drug search warrant was then obtained and executed on Mr. Merritt’s property.

As a result of the arrest and search warrant an undisclosed amount of Canadian Oxycontin, 16 firearms, and approximately $16,000 in cash monies were seized. Mr. Merritt cooperated with the investigation and is currently cooperating with other ongoing criminal investigations.

Mr. Vance Merritt (DOB 5-31-1937) currently lives on the Tibbettstown Road in Columbia Falls.

The street value of the drugs are about $2,400.00.

Mr. Merritt's bail was set at $50,000.00.

Also in unrelated case Raymond Brown Jr. D.O. B 02/18/1973, of Wilson Beach Campobello Island NB.,was arrested by the Washington County Drug Task Force/ Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and charged with , Acquiring Drugs By Deception.

Mr. Browns bail was set at $1,000.00

Both at be held at the Washington County Jail.

Theft by Unauthorized Taking

Teresa Huntley date of Birth, 04/09/1963 of 1493 County Road, Lubec was arrested June 8th 2009 for (Theft by Unauthorized Taking) a Class (B) Felony, by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Mrs. Huntley allegedly stole at least $30,000.00 from her employer Archibald's One Stop in East Machias.

Mrs. Huntley was released on bail from the Washington County Jail on Tuesday June 9th 2009.

This incident is under further investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Underage Drinking Arrests

The Sheriff’s Office conducted a Juvenile Drinking Enforcement Detail late in the evening and early in the morning of 5-2 and 5-3-2009. This detail consisted of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police. 3 Criminal Arrests were made and 10 minors were summonsed for possession of alcohol.

Basically on or about 4-28 the Sheriff’s Office received information from the Maine Forest Service of a scheduled event to be held on 5-2 at the Rocky Lake Campsite in East Machias. The information about this event suggested that there will be a large amount of underage drinking present. The function was linked back to Social Groups at the University of Maine at Machias and the event known as Greek Weekend. Information suggested that the College Fraternity was organizing the event. The Maine Forest Service attempted to educate the organization on fire danger and environmental impact of the event, among other legal ramifications. After these efforts were made the event’s location was moved to an unknown location.

A detail was organized between members of the Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police and the event was traced to Love Lake in Crawford. The enforcement detail then identified the issues of substance abuse by minors to be present and proceeded with enforcement.

The owner of the property was identified as Mr. Jay R. Beaudoin (DOB 1-31-1964) of Pembroke Maine. He was placed under arrest for Furnishing a Place for Minors to Possess or Consume Liquor. Mr. Michael F. Hinerman (DOB 2-28-1986) of Machiasport and Mr. Royce M. Bedbury (DOB 8-15-1987) were both placed under arrest for Furnishing the Liquor to Minors.

Of the 13 Minors that were identified and processed at the event, 10 minors were charged with Possession of Liquor and released. 3 kegs of beer and drinking paraphernalia were also seized. The event was then shut down and all persons were asked to leave the property by the landowner.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County Sheriff's Office

Whiting Arrest Smith & Bermudez

The Washington County Sheriff's Office made two drug arrests in Whiting. last night,04.23,09. A vehicle stop on Route 189 in Whiting for speeding. 2 Occupants, Laura Bermudez (also Fitzsimmons) DOB 6-2-1972 driver and Melissa Smith DOB 12-4-1979.

(Bermudez) was arrested for Operating after license suspension and under the influence of alcohol .

Search of vehicle recovered an amount of processed marijuana that supports a furnishing charge, numerous items of paraphernalia, hypodermics that were "loaded" with drugs ready to inject, paraphernalia with testable amounts of felony level drugs, $803.00 in cash, and the vehicle. Cash and vehicle are being seized.

Bermudez charged with following:

1- Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs class C

2- Unlawful Furnishing of Marijuana class D

3- Operating Under the Influence 2^nd Offense, refusal class D

4- Operating After Suspension or Revocation class E

Smith charged with following:

1- Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs class C

2- Unlawful Furnishing of Marijuana class D

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Let me know if you have questions, I may be out later if the bail thing works out.

Thanks,

Lt. Willey

Route 9 Crawford 4-17-09 Drugs

The Washington County Sheriff's Office along with Agent's from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested Gerald Perry, D.O. B. 07/30/60 from Baileyville and Melissa Cox, D.O. B. 4/14/75 also from Baileyville.

They were arrested Friday night 04/17/09 at approximately 11:30 PM on Route 9 Crawford.

Perry was charged with Unlawful Trafficking of Schedule Drugs.

Cox was charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Schedule Drugs.

Both are being held at the Washington County Jail on $25,000.00 cash bail.

Seized were 42.5 Grams of Cocaine.

28 Methadone pills.

7 Percocet

12 Hydrocodone.

11 Zanax

$ 926.00 cash

1992 Mercury Sable

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County Sheriff’s Office:

Taking Action Against Underage Drinking

April is Alcohol Awareness month in Maine and across the nation. As part of a state wide campaign, Washington County: One Community in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has begun a county wide effort to raise awareness about the issue of underage and high risk drinking through active party patrols and a media advocacy initiative.

With access to funding awarded to Washington County: One Community to reduce underage drinking, the Washington County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating, enforcing and prosecuting violators of Maine's underage drinking laws. Breaking these laws can result in criminal offenses, fines of up to $2,000, jail time up to 12 months, and loss of license. “There is a role for everyone.” advised Sheriff Donnie Smith “Our role is to ensure that providing alcohol or a place for a minor to consume alcohol, regardless if the minor is a relative or not, will not be tolerated in our county.” The Washington County Sheriff's Office has been actively patrolling “hot” spots that have been known for underage drinking parties, such as gravel pits, camps and homes. “I am very excited about this opportunity.” states Sheriff Smith. “We have discussed ways in which we can address the underage drinking problem in our county but have not had the extra means to increase enforcement until now. In addition to the active party patrols, we are also offering a Tip line to help encourage community members throughout the county to take a stand against underage drinking.”

In 2008, middle and high school students in Washington County took part in the Maine Youth Drug and Alcohol Use Survey (MYDAUS). The survey results suggest that Washington County teens are strongly influenced by community and family attitude about underage drinking:

• Washington County high school students are more than twice as likely to have had alcohol if they believe adults in their community think it is okay. Of the students who believe adults in their community think underage drinking is acceptable, 52% reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days. On the other hand, the students who believe adults in their community think underage drinking is wrong, only 22% reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days.

• Washington County high school students are more than three times as likely to have had alcohol if they believe their parents think it is okay. Of the students who believe their parents think underage drinking is acceptable, 80% reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days. But of the students who believe their parents think underage drinking is wrong, only 27% reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days.

“Parents and community role modeling are undoubtedly making an impact on the youth in Washington County when it comes to underage drinking. And for those students who do decide to drink, they don’t realize how susceptible they are to risky behaviors and health problems that can have lasting affects,” adds Community Health Specialist for Washington County: One Community, Sara McConnell. Alcohol negatively effects teens in a number of ways. The brain is not fully matured until the mid-twenties and the use of alcohol can cause long-term damage to a teens brain. Alcohol impairs judgment and has been strongly linked to teenage depression, plays a significant role in suicide, there is a risk of alcohol poisoning, unintentional accidents and injuries, and unplanned sexual behavior. A teens health and well being are at risk each time they consume alcohol.

For more information on warning signs, Maine's underage drinking laws and penalties, resource guides and much more check out the Maine Office of Substance Abuse on the web at www.MaineParents.net. You can also contact Sara McConnell, Washington County: One Community, A Healthy Maine Partnership at 255-3741. If you would like to report incidences of underage drinking, the Washington County Sheriff's Office has implemented an anonymous Tip line, which can be reached at 1-800-432-7303 or 255-3128 ext. 37.

Washington County: One Community is established as a community-based coalition serving Washington County. Its purpose is to improve the quality of life for Washington County citizens – from infants to elders. The coalition has adopted shared visions that respect cultural and community differences encourage broad citizen engagement, and support public health, community development and a viable economic infrastructure.

As Child Abuse Rises, More Parent Education Needed

Washington County Sheriff’s Department

As Child Abuse Rises, More Parent Education Needed

An op ed by Donnie Smith, Washington County Sheriff

And Jane Weil, Board member Maine Infant Mental Health Association and Member, Maine Children’s Growth Council

Governor Baldacci recently issued a proclamation declaring April “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.” We applaud our chief executive’s willingness to shine a spotlight on this serious problem in Maine at this critical time.


Although there are many factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect, it is a fact that domestic violence and child maltreatment increases as unemployment rises during an economic recession. The tie between unemployment and economic recession with increased child abuse is of special concern to us at a time of major lay-offs like the one at the Baileyville Domtar mill. Washington County already has a high rate of unemployment and we worry about the possibility that more children will be in stressful situations as parents lose jobs.


We are seeing increased rates of domestic violence play out across Maine. In 2008 there were 31 homicides statewide – the highest number since 1989 and 10 more homicides than in 2007. When examined more closely, we see that roughly two-thirds of these homicides were domestic-related. The sad reality is that five of these cases involved deaths of defenseless young children, like 2-year-old Damon Nason of East Machias.


Of course, most cases of child abuse don’t end in homicides. Abused and neglected children grow into adulthood, but the scars of abuse never really fade. They may lighten and disappear over time, but just below the surface they linger. The sad reality is that kids who survive abuse and neglect face many challenges throughout their lives. Abused children are more likely to grow up to be adults who are unemployed, have marital problems, and are nearly two-and-a-half times more likely to attempt suicide. They are also more likely to abuse their own children.


According to the recently released Maine Kids Count data report by the Maine Children’s Alliance, 4,233 children were confirmed victims of child abuse and/or neglect. Research indicates that of those abused children, approximately 160 will become violent criminals as adults as a direct result of the abuse and neglect they endured. Year after year in Maine, child abuse and neglect creates more violent criminals, and more likely abusers, and more people with problem-ridden lives.


Where does this leave us? How can we prevent children from suffering from abuse or neglect? Fortunately, we have an important resource that can help prevent this terrible tragedy.


Home visiting programs that offer voluntary parent coaching are proven to dramatically reduce child abuse and neglect. Trained professionals go into homes and help young at-risk parents build positive parenting skills, help manage the stress of parenting, improve parent-child interactions and improve the child’s school readiness. Parent coaches also promote access to community service and support parents in creating healthy homes that discourage alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and are free of abuse and neglect.


Home visiting results in tremendous benefits to the families served and to society. Most participating families never have to enter the child welfare system, thus preventing separation of children from parents as well as future dependence on public assistance programs and future criminality and those costs to our society.


In a long-term study of one model, the Nurse-Family Partnership, children whose mothers participated were half as likely to be abused or neglected compared to children whose parents did not receive in-home parent coaching. Also, the children and mothers not in the program had about twice as many arrests when they grew up than those who did participate.

Intensive home visiting not only saves and saves taxpayer dollars. Child abuse and neglect costs Americans more than $80 billion every year -- $400 million in Maine alone. A Washington State Institute for Public Policy study projects that a rigorous home visiting program like Nurse Family Partnership would save the people of Maine five dollars for each dollar invested.

Currently Maine spends approximately $4.5 million annually on home visitation programs across all 16 counties. Due to underfunding, Maine’s current programs serve less than 20% of eligible parents. Nevertheless, the State Legislature is currently considering a budget that proposes to reduce funding for this prevention program substantially. During a time when incidents of abuse are rising, cutting the only prevention funding for child abuse and neglect is simply a move in the wrong direction.

We can save and improve lives, reduce crime and save future taxpayer dollars by more fully funding voluntary home visiting. The easiest way to improve Maine’s future is to ensure our youngest generation is safe and sound in their home.

Sex Offenders Press Release 2-13-09

On or about 2-12-2009 the Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police conducted a joint operation. This operation was conducted from Deblois to Township. It involved approximately 15 Deputies and Troopers and spanned 2 operational periods (approximately 14 hours). The purpose of the operation was to ensure compliance with the Maine Sex Offender Registry Act as well as Probation and Bail compliance throughout the county.

A break down of the operation is as follows: 11 subjects arrested and approximately 15 violations. They are broken down below.

1. Joseph Bradley- Columbia. Violation of the Maine Sex Offender Registry Act. This is believed to be the 3^rd offense, if this is accurate this will be considered a class B felony.
2. Harold Stevens- Township. Violation of the Maine Sex Offender Registry Act. Class D first offense.
3. Philip Bunnell- Jonesboro. Violation of the Maine Sex Offender Registry Act. First offense, class D.
4. Christopher Harvey- Princeton. Registered Sex Offender that was stopped and arrested for Operating Under the Influence of Drugs.
5. Joshua Beal- Deblois. Registered Sex Offender that was arrested for Violation of his Probation. Charged with Possession of Marijuana.
6. Forrest Dale- Deblois. Violation of Conditions of Release and Possession of Marijuana.
7. Michelle Seavey- Deblois. Violation of Conditions of Release, felony and Possession of Schedule Drugs, felony.
8. Joseph Means- Pembroke. Violation of Conditions of Release and Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs.
9. Felicia Trott- Pembroke. Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs.
10. Donald Vane- East Machias. Violation of Conditions of Release.
11. Aaron Flood- Calais. Violation of Conditions of Release.

Thank you,

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Press Release 2-11-09

Contact

Eleody Libby Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County: One Community Washington County S.O.

PO Box 679 P.O Box 120

Machias, ME 04654 Machias, Me. 04654

263-7691

elibby@wc-oc.org

January 2009, Washington County: One Community was awarded funding from the Maine Office of Substance Abuse to increase community knowledge of Maine's underage drinking laws. Part of the the funding will support the increase in active patrols by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. “I am very excited about this opportunity.” states Sheriff Donnie Smith. “We have discussed ways in which we can address the underage drinking problem in our county but have not had the extra means to increase enforcement until now.”

“Underage drinking is a serious problem, with roots deep in our culture.” explains Eleody Libby, Executive Director for Washington County: One Community. “ It is time to stop looking the other way and believing that just because it is not opiate based it can't hurt our children. In fact, it can harm the mind and body of a growing teen in ways many people don't realize.” Drinking affects how well a person judges risk and makes sound decisions; can lead to other drug use; increases the risk of carrying out or being a victim of, a physical or sexual assault; and is the major cause of death from injury among young people.

“There is a role for everyone.” advised Sheriff Smith “Our role is to ensure that providing alcohol or a place for alcohol to a minor regardless if the minor is a relative or not, will not be tolerated on our county.”

For more information about this and other community initiatives that will increase the quality of life for Washington County citizens, please contact Washington County: One Community at 263-7691 or visit the website at www.washingtoncountymaine.com or www.wcsheriffsoffice.com. 255-4422.

Cops For Kids

Please see photos from our project (Cop's for Kid's)
I believe it was great success.
Thanks for you support.
Sheriff Donnie Smith

Hello Again Everyone,

For those interested, there is a story of our Christmas Party on the web. www.watopot.org/wat-opot-christmas-2008/ ..

Thanks to all of you who have contributed in some way to our community this year; may your life be blessed because of it.

Wayne Dale Matthysse

Co-Founder / Advisor

Partners in Compassion / Cambodia

www.partnersincompassioncambodia.com

Director

Wat Opot Children's Community

www.watopot.org