Monday, September 29, 2014

Weekly Report 9/10/14 to 9/16/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the citizens of Washington County that certain roads have been dedicated as access routes for ATVs. While using these access routes, all ATV operators are expected to follow the rules of the road, including operating at or under the posted speed limit. It is illegal to operate an ATV on a road which is not listed as an access route.

The Sheriff’s Office received and responded to 108 calls for service this week.

09/10/14:
Deputy Timothy Carter performed a well-being check on an individual on County Road in Trescott. No further action was necessary.

A request for assistance from the MDEA was answered by Deputy Timothy Carter. Deputy Carter responded to Duck Cove Road in Roque Bluffs and assisted with an arrest. He then transported the individual to the Washington County Jail.

Cpl. Christopher Donahue investigated a complaint for a possible assault and domestic violence assault on Bumpy Drive in Princeton. None of the parties involved wished to press charges and so were separated for the night. While on the scene, Cpl. Donahue issued a summons for Violation of Conditions of release to one of the company present after an Intoxilyzer test was performed.

Sgt. Brandon Parker responded to a single-vehicle accident on Main Street in Princeton. The operator of the vehicle was transported to Calais Regional Hospital for possible injuries.

A two-vehicle accident on the Port Road in Machiasport was attended to by Deputy Timothy Carter. One of the vehicle operators was transported to Down East Community Hospital for possible injuries.

09/11/2014:
A three-vehicle crash on Kennedy Highway in Milbridge was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. Occupants of two of the vehicles were transported to the hospital for potential injuries.

09/13/14:
A car-eagle crash on the Blacks Woods Road in Cherryfield was investigated by Lt. Timothy Tabbutt. There was no injury to the operator of the vehicle.

Deputy Blaine Silk reported to a complaint of burglary on the Hardy Point Road in Pembroke. The investigation is ongoing.

09/14/14:
Lt. Timothy Tabbutt investigated a report of Disorderly Conduct on Barren Way in Cherryfield. Lt. Tabbutt spoke to both parties and they agreed that they would stay away from each other. Lt. Tabbutt was later called back to the scene. A Disorderly Conduct warning was issued to all parties.

09/15/2014:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo investigated a report of an ATV illegally operating on South Street in Lubec. The operator of the ATV could not be found.

A car-deer accident at the intersection of Brook Street and US Route 1 in Baring was investigated by Cpl. Christopher Donahue. Minor injuries were reported by both occupants of the vehicle.

A single-vehicle accident on the Station Road near the Centerville – Jonesboro town line was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. Minor injuries were reported by the occupants of the vehicle.

Deputy Timothy Carter responded to a report of Criminal Mischief on Washington Street. The investigation remains ongoing.

A report of aggravated assault on Main Street in Lubec was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter with assistance from Cpl. Christopher Donahue. Several witnesses were interviewed, and an individual was arrested for aggravated assault and Violating Conditions of Release. The suspect was transported to the Washington County Jail.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Outstanding Service Awards

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the presentation of awards to the following employees in recognition of their outstanding service in the law enforcement field.

Corporal Greg Sawyer – 2013 Deputy of the Year
Corrections Officer Les Look – 2013 Corrections Office of the Year
James Prenier – 2013 Employee of the Year
Sergeant Tom Spencer – 25 Years in the correctional division

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would also like to acknowledge the retirement of the following officers and offer best wishes to them in the future.

Sergeant Randy Perry – 29 years of law enforcement service
Deputy Steve Ramsey – 27 years of law enforcement service




Sheriff Donnie Smith

Friday, September 19, 2014

Weekly Report 9/3/14 to 9/9/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
The Sheriff’s Office responds to vehicle accidents every week, and many drivers involved admit to falling asleep or being tired while driving. There are several actions you can take to help ensure that your driving is safe for you, your loved ones, and others in our county. Remember to get plenty of rest each night, particularly before starting a long drive. Avoid medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, that may make you sleepy. If you can, travel with another driver and alternate the driving responsibilities on a regular schedule. Avoid eating heavy foods or junk foods while on the road, as these can make you more tired. When you do eat, be sure to stop in a safe place. Eating while driving is a distraction that can be very dangerous. An added plus to stopping is that it gives your body, eyes, and mind a rest from driving. It can also be a great excuse to stretch your legs. Periodic exercise breaks are not only good for your overall health, they help you to stay awake. If you can, take breaks every 100 miles or every two hours. If you must pull over to take a nap, make sure that your vehicle is completely off the road. Ideally, you should be in a well-lit, safe area.

The Sheriff’s Office received and responded to 76 calls for service this week.

09/03/14:
Deputy Timothy Carter investigated a report for a missing person on Middle Street in Whitneyville. While investigating, Deputy Carter arrested an individual on an outstanding warrant. The individual was transported to the Washington County Jail without incident.

A report of suspected violation of condition of release on Main Street in Princeton was investigated by Cpl. Christopher Donahue. Two individuals were issued summonses for violations.

Deputy Timothy Carter attempted to perform well-being checks on Middle Street in Whitneyville and the Stagecoach Road in East Machias.

09/04/2014:
Deputy Timothy Carter issued a summons for possession of scheduled drugs and use of drug paraphernalia on Middle Street in Whitneyville.

A single-vehicle accident on Route 1 in Dennysville was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter. The driver was transported to the hospital for possible injuries.

09/05/14:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo investigated a two-vehicle accident at the Port of Entry in Lubec. No injuries were reported.

09/06/14:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo investigated a report of aggravated criminal mischief on Route 1 in Perry. The investigation remains open.

A well-being check on the Jacksonville Road in East Machias was performed by Sgt. Ralph Pineo. An ambulance was called, but no further action was necessary.

09/07/2014:
An individual was reported to be trying to enter the United States illegally at the Port of Entry in Lubec. Deputy Timothy Carter transported the individual to the Washington County Jail where the subject was booked without incident.

Deputy Timothy Carter investigated a single-vehicle accident on the Ridge Road in Pembroke. Two individuals were transported to the Calais Regional Hospital for possible injuries and the administration of blood alcohol tests. The investigation into a possible OUI continues.

A report of possible criminal mischief at Gaelic Square in Jonesport was investigated by Lt. Timothy Tabbutt. No suspects were identified. The incident remains open.

09/08/14
Lt. Timothy Tabbutt investigated a report of theft on Route 1 in Steuben. No suspects were identified. The incident remains open.

A report of theft on the Addison Road in Columbia was investigated by Sgt. Brandon Parker. The incident remains open.

09/09/14
A complaint of harassment on Route 1 in Perry was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter. Deputy Carter spoke with both individuals and explained how to obtain a protection from harassment order. No further action was required.

Deputy Timothy Carter assisted an EMS team on Two Lakes Drive in Northfield with a possible overdose. Deputy Carter interviewed the individual involved and cleared the scene.

Cpl. Christopher Donahue issued a summons to an individual for operating after suspension and illegal attachment of plates on the Leighton Point Road in Pembroke.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Chief Deputy Chris Donahue


I am please to announce that I have appointed Cpl Chris Donahue as my new Chief Deputy effective October 5th.

Chris took the Law Enforcement Pre-Service Program with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and started as a part time Patrolman with Calais Police Department in 1997. Started Full time in September 1999 with Calais Police Department as a Patrolman. Graduated the 94th Municipal County Basic Police School in Waterville at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in November 2000. Graduated the State Police Basic Patrol Dog School in 2001 with K9 Partner Major. In 2002 graduated the State Police Narcotics Detection School with K9 Partner Major. In 2003 was promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Calais Police Department. Became a certified Field Training Officer in 2004. In 2008 was promoted to the rank of Senior Day Sergeant with the Calais Police Department. In 2009 became a Certified Firearms and Urban Rifle Instructor with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. In September 2013 left the Calais Police Department and started as a Patrol Deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. In May of 2014 was promoted to Corporal with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and was placed in charge of their Field Training Program.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Drug Related Theft Arrest

On 9-11-2014 Contractor Todd J. Whittaker (38 years old) from Brewer was arrested for Class B Felony Theft by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Whittaker was arrested after investigation into a theft of just over $14,000 from BBS Lobster Company in Machiasport. Mr. Whittaker was contracted for a job at the facility in Machiasport. After the job was completed, Mr. Whitakker fraudulently cashed a check in excess of the 14k$ from the company. Routine accounting audits discovered the theft.

Upon further investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Whittaker was also found to be on 2 active bail conditions (conditions of release) for drug related crimes. The first set of conditions is from Aroostook County Superior Court for Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs and the second set is from Penobscot Criminal Court for Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs.

Upon his arrest here in Washington County he was charged with Theft by Unauthorized Taking Class B and Violation of Conditions of Release Class E. His bail was set at 20,000$ cash for the Theft and bail was denied for the violation of conditions of release. Mr. Whittaker is being held at the Washington County Jail pending an appearance in front of the court.

During the investigation, Mr. Whittaker indicated that this crime was connected to his addiction to Heroin. This is yet another property crime that was committed in Washington County that appears to be consistent with a spike in drug related crimes and calls for service throughout the County.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is currently working collaboratively with other Local, State, and Federal agencies to address both the increase in illicit drugs, in particular Heroin, and the increase in property crimes expected.
The influx of illicit drugs have also caused an increase in the amount of overdose calls that police and EMS have responded to in the past weeks.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Friday, September 12, 2014

Weekly Report 8/27/14 to 9/2/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has received several complaints and calls of concern regarding telephone phishing scams. The callers may claim to be from an official organization, such as the FBI or the IRS. They may tempt residents with a prize, or threaten them with legal action. In either case, money or personal information is requested. The Sheriff’s Office considers these complaints to be serious. Anyone who receives a call that sounds suspicious should first ensure that the caller is from a legitimate organization. Neither the FBI nor the IRS will ask for money or personal information, such as social security numbers or bank account information. If you receive a suspicious call, please safeguard your personal information and report the call to the Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office received and responded to 95 calls for service this week.

08/27/14:
Sgt. Brandon Parker responded to a complaint of a dispute between neighbors on the Shore Road in Perry. The matter was a civil issue, and Sgt. Parker advised the parties of that fact.

A complaint of illegally parked vehicles on the Chase’s Mill Road in East Machias as investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter. Upon Deputy Carter’s arrival, he found no vehicles at the spot.

Deputy Blaine Silk issued a summons and complaint to an individual who was operating after suspension on the Pigeon Hill Road in Steuben.

08/28/2014:
Cpl. Christopher Donahue performed a routine drug court check on an individual on Toll Bridge Lane in Eastport. No action was necessary.

A report of a two-car crash on Route 189 in Lubec was investigated by Sgt. Brandon Parker, with assistance from Deputy Timothy Carter and Game Warden Joe McBrine. Two individuals were transported to Downeast Community Hospital for possible injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was transported to the Washington County Jail and booked on charges of domestic reckless conduct. Officer Richard Moore of the Machias Police Department also assisted with the call.

08/29/14:
Deputy Timothy Carter investigated a possible domestic violence assault on Route 1 in Jonesboro. Deputy Carter spoke with both individuals involved. No further action was necessary.

08/30/14:
A single-vehicle accident in Harrington was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. When Deputy Silk arrived on the scene, no occupants were located. The vehicle was towed.

08/31/2014:
A juvenile complaint in Lubec was investigated by Sgt. Ralph Pineo. Sgt. Pineo spoke to both parties. No further action was necessary.

Deputy Blaine Silk, with assistance from Officer Greg Smith of the Eastport Police Department and Officer Lewis Evans of the Pleasant Point Police Department, investigated possible criminal mischief on Water Street in Eastport. The investigation remains open.

09/01/14
Deputy Blaine Silk recovered some property that appears to match a former report of stolen property. The investigation continues.
A report of domestic violence assault and criminal threatening on Route 1 in Pembroke was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter. An individual was transported to the Washington County Jail and booked on charges of domestic violence assault and domestic violence criminal threatening.

09/02/14
Lt. Travis Willey, Sgt. Brandon Parker, and Deputy Blaine Silk worked in conjunction with officers from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency to arrest two men for unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs on the Tibbettstown Road in Columbia Falls.

An individual who was operating after suspension was stopped by Deputy Timothy Carter on the Great Cove Road in Jonesboro. The individual was issued a summons and complaint.

Deputy Timothy Carter pulled over a vehicle on Crow’s Neck Road in Lubec. The individual was transported to Washington County Jail and booked on OUI and OAS.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Washington County Sheriff’s Office/Maine Drug Enforcement Agency-September 11, 2014

As the result of a joint investigation between the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, four (4) individuals have been charged with drug related offenses and a significant source of illicit drugs into Washington County has been disrupted.

On September 10, 2014, Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and investigators with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant on the residence of Dawn Crocker located on the Roque Bluffs Road, in Roque Bluffs. The search warrant was executed after information was received that Crocker was allegedly involved in the distribution of heroin and prescription drugs. Seized during the search were approximately 3 grams of heroin and several Oxycodone pills which Crocker had on her person. With Crocker at the time the warrant was executed was Gordon Flynn. He was found to be in possession of a small amount of hydrocodone, a prescription pain killer.

As part of this case, investigators were able to determine the identity of the individuals believed to be responsible for supplying Crocker, and others, with the prescription drugs which were being sold illicitly in Roque Bluffs and other areas of Washington County. Investigators also learned that the individuals responsible were in the process of transporting the drugs back to Washington County from out-of-state and that they were due in Washington County late yesterday (9/10/14) evening.

At approximately 10 pm last night, MDEA agents located the vehicle suspected of carrying the drugs back to Washington County on I-95 in the Bangor area. The vehicle was eventually stopped on Route 1A in Holden after pulling into a local gas station. Prior to the stop, MDEA agents had obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. In the search that followed, agents located 308 Oxycodone tablets and over 40 grams of crack cocaine which was hidden in the vehicles engine compartment. At the time of the stop, the vehicle was being driven by Ralph Green, 36 years of age of New Rochelle, New York. Also in the car was Jamal Webb, 36 years of age from Brooklyn, New York. Both Green and Webb were arrested and transported to the Penobscot County Jail where they were both charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W drugs (Cocaine Base and Oxycodone). These charges were aggravated to a class A felony based on the amount of drugs that were seized from the vehicle.

Dawn Crocker, 31 years of age from Roque Bluffs was charged with Class B Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (heroin) and Gordon Flynn, 42 years of age from Roque Bluffs was charged with Class C Possession of Schedule W Drugs (Hydrocodone).
These arrests are the result of significant inter-agency cooperation among a number of law enforcement agencies. They include: the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Maine State Police, DHHS Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Holden Police Department and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department.

This investigation is continuing and more arrests are likely. MDEA stands committed to working with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies in order to address drug trafficking crimes in our communities.


Commander Peter Arno
Sheriff Donnie Smith





Monday, September 8, 2014

Weekly Report 8/20/14 to 8/26/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
There were a large number of 9-1-1 hang-ups received at the Regional Communications Center during the past week, which is where calls for the Sheriff’s Office are dispatched. We would like to remind callers that it is important to speak to a dispatcher once a call has been placed to 9-1-1. Even if the situation has changed, the dispatcher still needs to speak to a person at the end of the calling line.

The Sheriff’s Office also stresses the importance of teaching children when and how to call 9-1-1.

The Sheriff’s Office received and responded to 105 calls for service this week.

08/20/14:
Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a report of criminal threatening in Whiting. The suspect could not be located. The investigation continues.

An individual was arrested on Wilkinson Lane in Machiasport by Deputy Timothy Carter, with assistance from Sgt. Brandon Parker. The individual was charged with violating a protection order and was taken to the Washington County Jail without incident.

A two-vehicle crash on the South Meadow Road in Perry was attended by Deputy Blaine Silk. One of the individuals involved was transported to the hospital for potential injuries.
08/21/2014:
Deputy Timothy Carter investigated a potential telephone scam in Pembroke. The investigation is ongoing.

08/22/14:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo conducted a routine drug court check on the Estates Road in Cherryfield. There were no violations noted during the visit.

A single-vehicle accident at the boat landing in Roque Bluffs was investigated bty Deputy Adam Davis. The vehicle ended up in the water, but no injuries were reported.

08/24/14:
A report of reckless conduct on the East Side Road in Machiasport was investigated by Sgt. Ralph Pineo. Neither individual involved wished to give statements or seek protection orders.

Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a complaint of theft on the Ridge Road in Cherryfield. A suspect and a potential accessory were interviewed, but no charges were brought immediately. The investigation is ongoing.

08/25/2014:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo investigated a complaint of reported criminal mischief on the Port Road in Machiasport. The investigation remains open.
Lt. Travis Willey followed up on a continuing investigation of theft in Machiasport. The case remains open.

A complaint of theft in Pembroke was investigated by Sgt. Ralph Pineo. The investigation is ongoing.

A missing person report in Addison was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. The individual was found and brought home the next day.

08/26/14

Deputy Timothy Carter responded to a request for a well-being check on Hopkins Lane in Whiting. Deputy Carter, along with EMTs from Downeast EMS, attended the scene and cleared it without incident.

A complaint of Domestic Violence assault on the Station Road in Jonesboro was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter. An individual was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail without incident. Sgt. Brandon Parker assisted with the call.

Deputy Blaine Silk investigated a car-moose crash on the Tibbettstown Road in Columbia Falls. No injuries were reported.

An individual residing on the Tibbettstown Road in Columbia Falls was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The individual was transported to the Washington County Jail without incident.

A report of forgery on Route One in Columbia was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. The suspect could not be immediately located, and the investigation remains open.

Friday, September 5, 2014

85 bags of heroin found at Tibettstown residence

On Tuesday, September 2, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with Maine Drug Enforcement Agency officers, conducted a search of a residence on Tibbettstown Road in Columbia Falls. Deputies found approximately 85 bags of heroin at the residence, which was occupied by David Foss, 49, and Michael Stanley, 53, who were charged with trafficking of Schedule W drugs. The seized heroin had a street value estimated at $3,400.

The Columbia Falls heroin seizures were linked to two men from New York, Carlos Ramirez, 38, and Lazaro Ramirez, 23, who were living in Bangor. Messrs. Ramirez were charged with aggravated trafficking of Schedule W drugs.
All four men were arrested, and the investigation remains open and ongoing.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Drug agents arrest 4

Drug agents arrest 4 in connection with heroin distribution in Bangor, Down East
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By Ryan McLaughlin, BDN Staff
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Posted Sept. 03, 2014, at 2:09 p.m.
David Foss
Maine Drug Enforcement Agency
David Foss
Lazaro Ramirez
Maine Drug Enforcement Agency
Lazaro Ramirez
Carlos Ramirez
Maine Drug Enforcement Agency
Carlos Ramirez
Michael Stanley
Maine Drug Enforcement Agency
Michael Stanley
BANGOR, Maine — Four men, including two from New York City, were arrested on Tuesday inconnection with a heroin distribution investigation, officials said.

Investigative efforts by numerous law enforcement agencies believed that Carlos Ramirez, 38, and Lazaro Ramirez, 23, both of New York, had been distributing heroin from several Bangor-area hotels and some of it was allegedly being transported to Washington County, according to Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Commander Peter Arno.

The two men had also been distributing drugs from an Ohio Street residence in Bangor, according to Arno.

On Tuesday, MDEA investigators received information that two men in Columbia Falls has obtained heroin from Bangor for suspected distribution in Washington County, Arno said.

As part of the investigation, Washington County sheriff’s deputies went to a Tibbetts Town Road residence occupied by Michael Stanley, 53, and David Foss, 49, and discovered approximately 85 bags of heroin with a street value of $3,400, Arno said.

A search warrant for an Ohio Street apartment occupied by the New York men was conducted Wednesday, and 12 grams of heroin were seized. In all, 30 grams of heroin valued at $12,000 were seized, Arno said.

The New York men were charged with aggravated trafficking in Schedule W drugs while Foss and Stanley were charged of trafficking in Schedule W drugs, Arno said.

Bangor, Brewer and state police assisted in the investigation. Additional arrests are likely as the investigation continues.