2013 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

During 2013, the Sheriff’s Office worked hard to meet goals around training, department cohesion, and community involvement. Our dedicated employees show their commitment to our agency and the community through their willingness to work with other agencies and the care with which they approach their work. I continue to be impressed by our phenomenal staff. Our officers responded to a total of 3,922 calls for service in 2013 - an average of more than 10 calls per day. The Uniform Crime Reporting statistics show that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office continues to rank among the top agencies in the state for reported crimes that were solved or cleared. Our K-9 partner Stryker has again proven his worth to the department by assisting deputies. Stryker is certified for a range of narcotics detection.

2013 brought changes to the administration within the department. Shawn Donahue, a former deputy and past chief of the Baileyville Police Department, joined us as Chief Deputy. Shawn has worked hard to bring our deputies together to increase their efficiency as a team. Richard Rolfe, a one-time MDEA agent and former patrol sergeant, has taken on the role of Jail Administrator. Despite funding restrictions from the state, Rich has worked with corrections officers to improve jail procedures. The state inspection of the jail this past spring went very well with a 98% approval rating.

Collaborative law enforcement has been aided by the new records management system which was put in place last summer. This database is used by all law enforcement agencies in the county. Several days of training were held to make sure that employees could use the system to its greatest advantages. Domestic violence continues to be an issue, not only in Washington County, but across the state. In 2013, I was appointed to the Domestic Violence Committee of the National Sheriff’s Association. This appointment, along with our continued successful partnership with The Next Step Domestic Violence Project, supports my conviction that our agency is involved at the ground level in tackling the important work of eliminating domestic violence. In 2013 I received the Next Step First Annual Community Partner Award.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Board of Visitors continues to play a vital part in the success of the agency.

We couldn’t be more proud of those citizens who continue to amaze us with the concern that they have for others in their communities. There are networks, both formal and informal, for checking on the elderly and house-bound. During the last few weeks of 2013, there was widespread concern for the well-being of those without heat, power, and water. While we are always happy to perform well-checks, we also applaud those who go above and beyond to make sure their neighbors are safe and cared for.

Thank you to the citizens of Washington County for your support of the Sheriff’s Office. We appreciate your confidence and trust.
Respectfully submitted,

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Motor vehicle crash on Route 1 in Topsfield

On Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at approximately 7:10 AM, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash on Route 1 in Topsfield near Malcolm Hill. When the deputies arrived, they discovered that a 2003 Ford Taurus operated by Dylan Porter 18 years of age of Brookton, Maine had collided with a 2010 Western Star operated by Kevin Lagase 39 years of age of New Denmark, New Brunswick, Canada. Investigators determined that Dylan Porter was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Lagase was not injured. The 2003 Ford Taurus was a total loss and the 2010 Western Star sustained damage to the trailer portion of the vehicle. US Route 1 was closed for several hours during the crash investigation. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle division, Calais Fire & Rescue, Indian Township Fire & Rescue, and the Topsfield Fire Department. The crash remains under investigation, although alcohol, speed and road conditions do not appear to be factors.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office weekly Report for December 6 - 12, 2013

This week the Sheriff’s Office responded to 81 calls for service.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt, Sgt Brandon Parker and Deputy Dennis Worcester assisted Milbridge Police Dept. with an arrest. A male subject was arrested for a pharmacy robbery in Milbridge.

Sgt Brandon Parker and Deputy Dennis Worcester responded to a domestic disturbance in Jonesport. A female subject was arrested for assault and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Sgt Brandon Parker investigated a theft in Harrington. A homeowner reported cash and household items were missing. Investigation continues.

Deputy Christopher Donahue investigated harassing phone calls in Marshfield. A person has been calling repeatedly. The caller was given a warning.

Deputy Christopher Donahue investigated theft of tools in Jonesboro. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a theft in Milbridge. A pizza had been stolen. The individual was contacted and paid for the pizza.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a report of criminal threatening in Cherryfield. A male was making threatening telephone calls to another male. Investigation continues.

Deputy Christopher Donahue investigated a report of a stolen boat in Lubec. Investigation continues.

Deputy Christopher Donahue investigated a report of a missing juvenile from Whiting. The juvenile was located with his grandmother.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a domestic disturbance in Cherryfield. A female and a male subject were fighting. The male was charged with violation of bail conditions and the female was charged with theft.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a report of theft in Cherryfield. Two propane tanks were missing. The propane dealer had removed the tanks. No charges.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer assisted Indian Township Police Dept with a fatal accident on Indian Township.

Deputy Dennis Worcester investigated a theft in Machiasport. A tool box with tools and a jacket were reported missing from a pick up. Investigation continues.

Deputy Dennis Worcester investigated a theft in East Machias. A stereo was reported missing from a vehicle. Investigation continues.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office weekly Report for November 29 – December 5, 2013.

During this period the Sheriff’s Office responded to 74 calls for service. Notable complaints are listed below:

Lt Timothy Tabbutt and Deputy Dennis Worcester responded to a domestic disturbance in Milbridge. A female had been assaulted by her boyfriend. The boyfriend had left the residence. He was located, charged with assault and criminal restraint and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Deputy Christopher Donahue assisted a male subject that was intoxicated and walking in the middle of the road in Pembroke.

Deputy Christopher Donahue investigated a report of criminal threatening in Robbinston. A juvenile was being threatened by other students. Investigation continues.

Sgt Brandon Parker investigated suspicious activity in Whiting. The caller reported two people with flashlights were walking around outside his house. Objects were thrown at the residence. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a report of Unlawful Sexual contact in Cherryfield. The report has been turned over to Lt Travis Willey for further investigation.

Deputy Dennis Worcester responded to a report of a vehicle in the water at Mahar Beach in Pembroke. The vehicle was reported stolen the day before. Investigation continues.

Sgt Brandon Parker assisted Machias Police Dept. with a violation of a protection order.

Sgt Brandon Parker responded to a domestic disturbance in Machiasport. Caller reported girlfriend was intoxicated and throwing stuff around. Parties were calmed down when Sgt Parker arrived. Verbal warning issued.

Sgt Brandon Parker investigated a report of harassment in Lubec. An individual keeps calling and driving by at all hours of the night. Caller will try to get a Harassment Order from the Court.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated a report of harassment in Danforth. A family member was being harassed by another family member. Verbal warning.

Sgt Brandon Parker investigated a report of harassment in Lubec. A father is harassing a mother about child custody issues. Investigation continues.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer assisted Calais Police Dept. with a report of a female trying to kick in the outside door of a residence in Calais. The female was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Sgt Ralph Pineo investigated a Burglary in Columbia Falls. A property that had been foreclosed on had been broken into and major fixtures were missing. Investigation continues.

Deputy Christopher Donahue investigated a report of criminal mischief in Lubec. A cable had been cut to the satellite and nails were scattered in the driveway. Investigation continues.

Sgt Ralph Pineo investigated a theft in Pembroke. An outboard motor was reported missing. Investigation continues.

Lt Travis Willey and Sgt Ralph Pineo investigated a report of assault on a 4 year old in East Machias. After interviewing the 4 year old, a male subject was arrested for assault and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Attempted Robbery of the Milbridge Pharmacy

On December 6, 2013, at about 8:30 pm Phillip A. Krehan was arrested in Addison for the Attempted Robbery of the Milbridge Pharmacy. The arrest was a result of a lead received by Lt. Timothy Tabbutt of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. The Milbridge Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department did evidence recovery in Addison and was able to get a confession from Mr. Krehan.

Chief Lewis Pinkham

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County Sheriff’s Office weekly Report for November 15 - 28, 2013

During this period the Sheriff’s Office responded to 153 calls for service. 23 calls were 911 hang ups which all require a response from an officer. Notable complaints are listed below:

Sgt Ralph Pineo investigated a report of Theft in Marshfield. A homeowner reported that someone had stolen a cord from a stove that was located on a back deck. Investigation continues.

Sgt Ralph Pineo responded to a domestic in Whitneyville. A neighbor had reported screaming coming from the next residence. The parties agreed to not have any further contact until the next day. No charges issued.

Deputy Dennis Worcester responded to a report of shots being fired on Beals Island. After interviewing witnesses it was determined that someone was shooting off fireworks.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated a report of stolen firearms in East Machias. A homeowner reported firearms missing from his home. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt and Deputy Dennis Worcester investigated a suspicious motor vehicle in Lubec. The driver was arrested for operating under the influence, allowing a minor to consume liquor and use of drug paraphernalia. A passenger was charged with use of drug paraphernalia and another passenger was charged with minor consuming liquor and possession of marijuana.

Sgt Brandon Parker assisted Forest Ranger Jasmine Hammond with an arrest warrant.

Sgt Brandon Parker received a report of theft of firewood. Case referred to the Forestry Department.

Deputy Dennis Worcester responded to a domestic complaint in Steuben. After Deputy Worcester spoke with the parties, it was agreed that they would separate for the evening. No charges at this time.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a criminal trespass in Addison. A male was arrested for burglary and criminal trespass after repeatedly returning to a residence.

Lt Travis Willey investigated an assault in Perry. A man said he was assaulted by two men while making wreaths at his home. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt arrested a man for domestic assault in Cherryfield.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office weekly Report for November 1 – 7, 2013

This week the Sheriff’s Office responded to 73 calls for service. 16 of those calls were motor vehicle accidents. Many of those accidents involved deer.

Deputy Rich Rolfe and K9 Stryker assisted Baileyville Police Department with a probation search in Baileyville. The probationer was in violation of his probation conditions by possessing marijuana. He was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Deputy Rich Rolfe and K9 Stryker conducted two probation checks in Princeton. The probationers were in compliance with their probation conditions.

Sgt Ralph Pineo investigated an assault in East Machias. Two family members were assaulting each other and were also bit by the family dog. The individuals did not want to press any charges.

Deputy Dennis Worcester investigated a theft of a motor vehicle in Devereaux Township. A hunter reported that two individuals had threatened him and stolen his vehicle. Investigation continues.

Deputy Christopher Donahue investigated a theft in Pembroke. A summer home had been broken into and a heater was missing. Investigation continues.

Lt Travis Willey assisted the Maine State Police with an arrest in Pembroke.

Cpl John Peterson assisted Calais Public Safety with a mass casualty drill. The drill went very well.

Lt Travis Willey investigated a burglary in Roque Bluffs. A homeowner reported several items missing from his garage. Investigation continues.

Sgt Brandon Parker investigated a forgery complaint from Mannaford’s Grocery Store in Jonesport. Investigation continues.

Lt Travis Willey assisted Milbridge Police Dept. with a robbery at the Milbridge Pharmacy. Suspect is still at large.