Troop D

Trooper from Troop D recovers thousands of dollars in stolen property.

On May 5, 2022, Tpr. Thomas Bureau was called to a residence on the Morgan Pitch Road in Brooks, for a reportedly burglary. The complainant reported that he had discovered thousands of dollars’ worth of items had been taken, including a snow blower and generator, among other electronics and tools. 

On May 9, the complainant called back to report another nearby property had also been burglarized and a cookstove worth several thousands of dollars was taken from there.

As a result of the investigation, Troopers met with James Hatch, 65, of Winterport and ultimately charged him 2 counts of Burglary Class-C; and 1 count of Theft by unauthorized taking or transfer Class-B. The property was recovered and returned. The items that were recovered were valued at over $10,000. 
 

On Wednesday, December, 22, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. Maine State Police responded to a report of an elderly man with Alzheimer’s that had wandered away from his home in Vassalboro. Troopers responded to the scene and started searching the area. Troopers were able to gather intelligence information from a town plow truck driver that saw a man walking in the area in the early morning hours during the storm. Trooper Tyler Harrington was able to locate the man in a ditch on Mudget Hill Rd. in Vassalboro. The man, 82 year old Bernard Perry was suffering from severe hypothermia and frostbite. Trooper Harrington carried Perry to his cruiser as he was unable to walk and awaited the arrival of an ambulance. Perry was transported to Maine General Hospital in Augusta where he is recovering from his injuries.  

We are grateful Bernard Perry was found in a timely manner and is recuperating. We are also thankful for Trooper Harrington, Maine State Police Troopers and all Law Enforcement Officers in Maine who do an exceptional job protecting the citizens of Maine and all those who visit our great state.
 

Troop D weekly activities for time July 5th to July 11th, 2021

On 7/8/21, Tr. Dunn came across a wrong-way driver traveling northbound in the southbound lanes on I-295 in West Gardiner. Michael Pass (40) of Durham was arrested for OUI and VCR.

On 7/9/21, Tr. Peckham stopped Jessica Shaughnessy (34) of Sabattus for a traffic violation in Phippsburg.  Shaughnessy was charged with OAS.

On 7/9/21, Sgt. Neagle arrested Joshua Eugley (34) of Windsor on an active arrest warrant for FTA on Operating After HO issued by the Augusta Unified Court.  Eugley was bailed out from the Troop D Barracks. 

On 7/9/21, Sgt. Neagle investigated a two-vehicle crash in Windsor.  Investigation revealed that Miranda Pease (35) was one of the operators involved and was driving intoxicated with her fifteen-year-old son as a passenger in her vehicle.  Pease was arrested and transported to APD where she completed an Intoxilyzer test confirming she was above the legal limit.    

On 7/9/21, Sgt. Neagle and Troopers Dunn and Anstett responded to a single vehicle roll over crash in China.  The male operator who was later identified as Thomas Hood (24) of China, fled the scene and walked to his parent’s residence where he was met by Tr. Anstett as he emerged from the woods.  Sgt. Neagle arrested Hood for OUI w/ 1 prior, Leaving the Scene of PI Crash, and F/T Report Crash by Quickest Means.  Hood was transported to Winslow PD where he completed the intoxilyzer test confirming he was above the legal limit.  

On 7/9/21, Cpl. Quintero responded to a noise complaint on Roberts Shore Rd in the Town of Liberty. While investigating the source of the noise Cpl. Quintero made contact with Zebediah Maker 36 of that address and Crystal Cunningham30 also of that address.  During the course of the investigation it was learned that Cunningham was in possession of approximately 22 grams of methamphetamine along with scales and packaging material, a digital scale, a 9mm pistol, 13 knives and a machete. Cunningham was found to be on conditions of release related to one count of aggravated Trafficking of methamphetamine while armed with a shotgun as well as a separate and unrelated charge of trafficking in methamphetamine.  During the course of the investigation Zebediah Maker was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a prohibited person after a separate 9mm pistol was found in his home.  Maker was also out at the time of the offense on a Conditional release from the jail. Trooper Webber, Trooper Dunn and Trooper Anstett assisted at the scene.  

On 7/10/21, Cpl. Pelletier stopped Karin Hall-Gorman (54) on Rt.1 in Brunswick for a speeding infraction. Her license was expired in excess of 90 days, and she was summonsed for the offense.  

On 7/11/21, Following an investigation by Cpl. Quintero, Sgt. Couturier and Tr. Webber, Kevin Michaud (58) was arrested at his home in China by Cpl. Quintero.  Michaud was arrested on one count of Simple Assault Class D and summonsed for one count of Unlawful Sexual Touching.  Michaud came to the attention of Troopers following the discovery of Michaud’s online communications with a 13-year-old female. The charges arose out of a pair of incidents occurring with the 13-year-old in Waldo County earlier this year.   Michaud was booked into Waldo County Jail.  Michaud was released on bail with conditions that he have no contact with any children under the age of 18 and not to return to the Waldo County Technical Center where he had recently served as the school’s director.
 

The pair have been located safely. We are removing photos and information for privacy purposes. Maine State Police is looking for assistance in locating two juveniles that left a campground in Northport last night (July 3, 2021).

Troop D weekly activities for time May 17th to May 23rd, 2021

On 5/18/21, Tr. Dunn stopped Darrell Wilson (36) of Pittston for an inspection sticker violation on Rt. 201 in Richmond. Drug paraphernalia was observed in the vehicle and Wilson was charged with Unlawful Possession of Scheduled Drug.

On 5/18/21, Trooper Belanger and Cpl. Quintero conducted a bail check on Robert Vellaro (44) and Chantal Hindman (32) of Belmont. Both parties tested positive for multiple drugs and were charged with VCR.

On 5/21/21, Tr. Peckham stopped Douglas Balestrieri (64) of Lisbon on I-295 in Gardiner for a traffic infraction.  Balestrieri was found to be operating on a suspended license and was summonsed accordingly.  

On 5/22/21, Trooper Belanger stopped Douglass Conway (60) of Rockland on Old County Rd in Rockland. Conway had false attached plates and was charged. 

On 5/22/21, Corporal Quintero stopped Alicia Lund (36) of Waldoboro in the Town of Rockland.  Lund was found to be consuming alcohol while driving and in the Unlawful Possession of Schedule W Drugs.  Lund was arrested and booked into Knox County Jail.  Also, in the vehicle was Joseph Lewis 39 of Waldoboro.  Lewis was prohibited by conditions of Probation from Consuming Alcohol based upon a Felony Conviction for Operating under the influence.  Lewis was found in possession of Fireball whiskey.  Lewis’ probation officer requested Lewis be arrested and tested for alcohol consumption.  Lewis was arrested and found to be significantly impaired by alcohol. 

On 5/22/21, Corporal Quintero stopped Cierra Miller (24) of Warren in the City of Rockland.  Located in the vehicle was Henry Watson (20) also of Warren.  Watson was on Probation for Burglary and he had a prior Felony Conviction.  Located in the vehicle near Watson was a .40 caliber rifle and a .22 caliber pistol.  Watson admitted the recent handling and shooting of both weapons.  Watson was booked into Knox County Jail for being a Felon in Possession of Firearm Class C. Watson was also the subject of a Probation Hold for the new Criminal Conduct. 

On 5/22/21, Tr. Peckham summonsed Chad Cooper (21) of Exeter on I-295 in Bowdoinham for Criminal Speed.  

On 5/22/21, Cpl. Wesbrock stopped a vehicle for Criminal Speed on Route 3 in the town of Palermo.  The operator Skylee Middleton (19) of Belfast was charged with Criminal Speed and released.

On 5/22/21, Cpl. Wesbrock responded to a personal injury crash on the Turner Ridge Rd in the town of Somerville. Gage Gagnon (23) from Belfast was driving his pickup truck when he failed to negotiate a curve. Gage struck a tree then a residential trailer.  The pickup and residential trailer sustained significant damage.  Gage was transported to Maine General with significant injuries. Gage was charged with Operating after Revocation and False Attachment of Plates. 
 

Troop D weekly activities for time May 10th to May 16th, 2021

On 5/9/21, Trooper Belanger stopped Dylan O’Brien (19) of Frankfort on Swan Lake Ave in Belfast for operating a defective vehicle. O’Brien did not have a driver’s license and was charged with operating without a driver’s license.

On 5/10/21, Tr. Peckham stopped Douglas Gardiner (25) in Farmingdale for utilizing an electronic device while operating in a commercial motor vehicle. Gardiner was summonsed for OAS and utilizing the electronic device.

On 5/10/21, Trooper Belanger stopped Francis Richardson III (26) of Lincolnville on Muzzy Ridge Rd for a defective vehicle. After an investigation, Richardson was arrested for OUI and VCR. 

On 5/11/21, Cpl. Quintero summonsed Christopher Cherry (24) of Waldo with Attaching False Plates and Violation of his Conditions of Release in the City of Belfast. 

On 5/12/21, Trooper Belanger stopped Erik Thompson (41) of Belfast for a vehicle defect. An investigation was conducted, and Thompson was found in possession of Fentanyl. Thompson was charged with Possession of Schedule W Drugs.

On 05/13/21, Trooper Anstett stopped Connor Kean (19) of Palermo for Criminal Speed. Kean was issued a summons.

On 5/13/21, Tr. Lauren Roddy and Spc. Seth Allen arrested David Arbour (61) of Pittston for Class B Trafficking in heroin following an investigation into a probation violation. 20 grams of suspected heroin was located at Arbour’s residence along with other drug paraphernalia. 

On 05/14/21, Trooper Anstett stopped Taniesha Knight (20) of Waterville for Speed. Knight was summonsed for Operating after Suspension. 

On 5/14/21, Tr. Harrington stopped a vehicle on I95 in Augusta for an expired registration. The driver of the vehicle, Jose Escobedo-Winkle (26) was summonsed for operating after suspension, operating with a suspended registration, and violating his conditions of release. 

On 5/15/21, Trooper Belanger stopped Nancy Whitcomb (62) of Monroe and William Whitcomb (39) of Monroe on Rt. 139 in Monroe for a vehicle defect. An investigation was conducted, and Whitcomb was located with fentanyl. Whitcomb was charged with Possession of Schedule W Drugs and VCR.

On 5/15/21, Trooper Belanger and Cpl. Quintero conducted a search warrant at 257 Purple Heart Highway in Brooks at the residence of Ricky Seekins (49) and Lisa Grant (49). Located at the residence was Devon Ricker (32). Seized from the warrant was Fentanyl, Methamphetamines, Trafficking Paraphernalia, Hypodermic Apparatuses, paraphernalia, a Stolen 1911 9mm Pistol, and illegal inspection stickers. Ricker was arrested for 3 FTA warrants and 2 sets of bail conditions and Possession of Schedule W Drugs Fentanyl. Seekins was arrested for Agg Trafficking Schedule W Drugs Fentanyl, Possession of Hypodermic Apparatuses, Possession of Schedule W Drugs Methamphetamines, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Receiving Stollen Property (firearm), and illegal Possession of Inspection Stickers. Grant was arrested for Possession of Schedule W Drugs Fentanyl, Possession of Hypodermic apparatuses, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Receiving Stollen Property (firearm).
 

Troop D weekly activities for time May 3rd to May 9th, 2021

On 5/7/21, at 1045 hrs., Tr. L Roddy and Rec. Roger Bachelder responded to a burglary at 11 Hummingbird Lane in West Gardiner. George Callahan (47) of West Gardiner entered his neighbor’s residence while they were not home and stole several items before returning to his residence. Callahan hid inside his residence and refused to come to the door. A warrant is being sought for Burglary, Violating Conditions of Release, and Theft by Unauthorized Taking.

On 5/7/21, Trooper Anstett stopped Levi Capper (33) of Hallowell on a traffic complaint in Farmingdale.  Capper showed signs of impairment but refused field sobriety testing.  Capper was arrested for OUI. 

On 5/7/21, Sgt. Neagle and Tr. Martin arrested Jamie Clark (37) in Farmingdale on three active arrest warrants after receiving a complaint he was involved in with a local towing company.  Bail was set by the court at one thousand dollars; Clark was unable to bail thus transported to the Kennebec County Jail.  

On 5/8/21, Tr. L Roddy stopped Luis Roldan (25) of Augusta at MM 45 SB on 295 in Richmond. Roldan was charged with Operating After License Suspension. 

On 5/8/21, at approximately 1430 hours, Tr. Harrington stopped Melissa Elwell (42) and Rosemary Garcia (50) both of Lewiston traveling northbound on I95 in Farmingdale for a vehicle defect. Criminal indicators were observed, and Cpl. Lacoste and K9 Bella were called on to assist. As a result of the stop, approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine and 26 transdermal Suboxone patches were located in the vehicle, as well as $3,000 worth of stolen stimulus checks. Elwell was arrested and charged accordingly. Tr. Roddy, Tr. Kelley, and Rec. Bachelder assisted with the investigation. 

On 5/8/21, Cpl. Pelletier stopped Torrey Charnock (24) on Rt.1 in Brunswick for speeding at 90MPH in a posted 60. He was summonsed for the offense. 
 

A vehicle defect led to felony drug trafficking charges in Augusta.
 
On April 5, 2021, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Tr. Tyler Harrington stopped a vehicle for operation and a vehicle defect on I-95 in Augusta near mile marker 109 northbound. A narcotics K9 was called to assist with the investigation and as a result of the investigation, approximately 1.5 Kilos of Fentanyl and $3,200 in cash were seized as evidence. Kristopher Churchill, 38, of Bradford, Maine, and Erick Mejia, 26, of Lawrence, Mass., were arrested with Class A Trafficking Fentanyl. Bail was set at $75,000 each. 

Cpl. Record, K9 Tess, Tr. Bronson, Tr. Roddy, Recruit Bachelder assisted with the investigation.
 

George “GJ” Neagle III was recently promoted to Sergeant in Troop D. Cpl. Neagle is a 7-year-veteran who previously served 11 years patrolling with the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He has served his entire State Police career in Troop C where he was promoted to Corporal in 2019, and recently served 7 months as acting-capacity Sergeant.

Cpl. Neagle is a Tactical Team Operator, K9 handler and trainer, Firearms Instructor, and has served as a Field Training Officer. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards including Maine Sheriff’s Association Deputy of the Year 2012, Maine State Police K9 Team of the Year 2015, Trooper of the Year nominee 2015 and 2019, and a Maine State Police Bravery Award 2020.

Maine State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 12-year-old out of Frankfort. 

#UPDATE - the 12-year-old was located safely by authorities.