Arrests

On April 18, 2010 the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of suspicious activity in the Jonesport area. Sgt. Timothy Tabbutt reported that as a result of his investigation, Amanda Jo Haag, 34, was arrested for criminal restraint by a parent. Also arrested was Colin Haag, Jr., 34, charged with kidnapping.

Details of the investigation revealed that the Haags had been traveling through numerous states misinforming churches that Mr. Haag was an ordained minister. Also two female children were found at a motel in the Ellsworth area in connection with this case. With the assistance of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Human Services, the children have been reunited with their biological father who had been attempting to locate them for over two years.

As a result of this investigation, a search warrant has been executed at a residence in Jonesport and evidence has been retrieved. Further investigations are continuing and additional charges are expected.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Deputy Scott Francis Termination

On February 26, 2010 the Washington County Commissioners voted to uphold Washington County Sheriff Donnie Smith's recommendation to terminate Deputy Scott Francis for “Conduct Unbecoming A Washington County Deputy Sheriff” effective immediately.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County Sheriff

Deputy Scott Francis

On February 10, 2010 Deputy Scott Francis of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was served a Temporary Order for Protection from Abuse on behalf of his estranged wife.

There have been no arrest or criminal charges filed.

Deputy Francis, who has been with the sheriff’s office five months, was put on paid administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation.

Chief Michael St. Louis

Chief Michael St. Louis

I am very pleased to announce that Chief Deputy Mike St Louis of the Washington County Sheriff's Office has received the Manager Of the Year Award from the Maine Sherriff's Association.

This is the first time an administrator of the Washington County Sheriff's Office has received this award.

Chief St Louis will be presented this award at the Maine Sheriff's Association Conference in South Portland on February 5th 2010.

I words can not express how proud I am of Chief St Louis.

Any further question please call or write.

As always thanks so much.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

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