On or about 5-14-2012 at approximately 2320 hours Deputy Ryan Allen of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Mr. Seth McLaughlin and Vanessa Nemec residence on Proverst Lane in Cathance Township for a report of a home invasion in progress. This same residence was burglarized just 14 or so hours before and is currently being investigated by Trooper Andrew Foss of the Maine State Police. The 911 call was placed reporting that someone was attempting to make entry into the residence through a window. The homeowner then fired 6 rounds from a handgun causing the intruder(s) to flee.
Mr. McLaughlin is a marijuana cultivator and caregiver for several marijuana patients in the area. During the earlier burglary and theft a substantial amount of the medical marijuana and a 9 mm handgun were stolen.
Based on prior information and officer observations responding to the scene, a suspect vehicle was identified. Assisted by the Machias Police Department, Lt. Travis Willey and Sgt. Rich Rolfe conducted a felony stop on the vehicle on the Ridge Road in Marshfield. During that stop one male passenger fled the scene and the male driver was taken into custody.
The driver was identified as Mr. Scott E. Conlin (DOB 3-24-1974) of the Cutler area. Through further investigation the male passenger that fled the scene was identified as Mr. Raymie D. Stoddard (DOB 6-15-1981) of the Machias area. After an extensive K-9 search and other search methods, Mr. Stoddard was located and arrested at the Ridgeview Apartments without incident. The Machias Police Department and Maine Warden Service assisted in the arrest.
Upon taking Mr. Stoddard into custody, a consent search of Ms. Joanna Stratton’s apartment yielded the stolen marijuana and handgun from the earlier burglary and theft. The Maine State Police were then contacted and Trooper Andy Foss responded to complete the investigation of the earlier crimes. Evidence was also recovered linking the subjects to other crimes in the Machias area.
Mr. Stoddard and Mr. Conlin were arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail on Criminal Attempt of Burglary. Mr. Conlin was also found to be in violation of his conditions of release and is been held without bail. He was currently on conditions of release for Trafficking of Drugs. Stoddard is being held on $500.00 cash bail Several other charges will be pending.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington County SO
