FARMINGTON – The Franklin County Grand Jury indicted 45 residents on felony charges Tuesday, including several associated with recent drug cases.
Michael Chandler, 34 of Philadelphia, Pa., Tyler McFarland, 32 of Gray and Jami Driscoll, 23 of Auburn were all indicted on felony trafficking charges relating to a crack cocaine and heroin trafficking operation that had been allegedly operating in the Rangeley area for several months. According to information previously presented in court, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and local police personnel say they located the drugs in Driscoll’s purse following the execution of a search warrant at a Rangeley residence and a probation search of McFarland’s room and person at the Saddleback Motor Inn.
Chandler was indicted on three counts of aggravated trafficking in a schedule W drug, all of them Class A felonies, as well as conspiracy to commit unlawful trafficking in drugs, a Class B felony. He also has a pending criminal forfeiture.
McFarland and Driscoll were indicted on three counts of trafficking in a schedule W drug, Class B felonies, as well as conspiracy to commit unlawful trafficking in drugs, a Class C felony. McFarland also has a pending criminal forfeiture.
Police allegedly seized heroin, crack cocaine and more than $8,000 during the arrest.
Also indicted were four individuals on unlawful furnishing or trafficking charges: Eric Barnes, 27, of Skowhegan; Roy Gordon, 42, of Wilton; Seth Gordon, 23, of Wilton; and Terry Oliver, 54, of Wilton. Those four were arrested following an investigation into the death of a Farmington woman on Nov. 11, 2012.
According to court documents, Marilyn Rider, 52, of Farmington, had been using morphine at her birthday party the evening prior to her death. The four individuals indicted Tuesday had been originally charged with trafficking or furnishing drugs which led to the death of a person, however the grand jury’s indictments are for simple furnishing or, in Oliver’s case, trafficking.
Barnes was indicted on one count of unlawful furnishing, a Class C felony, and one count of falsifying evidence, a misdemeanor. The falsifying evidence charge stems from Barnes allegedly trying to hide needles at Rider’s Farmington residence prior to police arriving on Nov. 11.
Roy Gordon was indicted on one count of unlawful furnishing a schedule drug, a Class C felony. According to court documents, Roy Gordon was Rider’s boyfriend.
Seth Gordon was indicted on one count of unlawful furnishing a schedule drug, a Class C felony.
Oliver was indicted on one count of unlawful trafficking in a schedule drug, a Class B felony. In a separate case, Oliver was also indicted on one count of tampering with a witness, a Class C felony, and violating the conditions of her release.
A fifth individual associated with the case, Scott Kidder, 32 of Wilton, previously pleaded guilty to unlawful furnishing of a schedule drug, a Class C felony. As part of an arranged plea and sentence, Kidder will spend two years in prison for violating the terms of his probation, followed by a consecutive sentence of three years, all suspended, with two years of probation.
Also indicted was John Fahnley, 58 of Madrid, on one count gross sexual assault, a Class A felony, and two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, both Class C felonies. According to police, local authorities were notified by the Massachusetts State Police that two teenagers had both disclosed to a detective in that state that Fahnley had been sexually molesting them for years. The boys were aged 9 and 15 when the alleged sexual assaults began and the abuse reportedly continued for years, they told police.
Fahnley allegedly would bring the boys up to stay with him in Madrid, where molestations were reported to have occurred.
He is a 10-year registrant with Maine Sex offender Registry after he was convicted of rape and abuse of child under 16 in Massachusetts.
The following individuals were also indicted by the Franklin County Grand Jury (all counts are felonies, unless otherwise indicated):
Duncan Allen, 23 of Readfield, was indicted on one count of trafficking in a schedule Z drug.
Stephen Amsler, 26 of Wilton, was indicted on one count of burglary and one count of theft.
Aaron Barker, 31 of Avon, was indicted on one count of stealing drugs.
Renee Belisle, 31 of Augusta, was indicted on one count of theft, with prior convictions for same.
Cory Bellefeuille, 31 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of violating the conditions of his release.
Ryan Brann, 34 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of theft, with prior convictions for same.
Donna Chartier, 50 of Wilton, was indicted on one count of theft of a firearm.
Gary Choate, 26 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of possession of a schedule W drug and one count of operating without a license, a misdemeanor.
Jason Cole, 35 of Anson, was indicted on one count of aggravated trafficking in a schedule W drug. He also faces a criminal forfeiture for property.
Derek Cook, 28 of Wilton, was indicted on one count of unlawful trafficking of a schedule drug and one count of violating the conditions of his release, a misdemeanor.
Robert Depietro, 36 of Billerica, Mass., was indicted on one count of possession of Oxycodone. He was also indicted on one count of furnishing a schedule Z drug and possession of schedule W drug, both misdemeanors.
Anthony Gasper, 22 of Manchester, N.H., was indicted on one count of trafficking in schedule W drugs.
Heather Gatcomb, 33 of Jay, was indicted on one count of receiving stolen property, namely a firearm.
Michael Gatcomb Jr., 29 of Jay, was indicted two counts of theft, with priors for same. In a separate case, he was also indicted on one count of domestic violence assault, with prior conviction for same, and violating the conditions of his release, a misdemeanor.
Jason Haines, 39 of New Vineyard, was indicted on one count of violating the conditions of his release.
Keith Howard, 65 of Carthage, was indicted on one count of theft by deception.
Lance Hustus, 23 of Pittston, was indicted on one count of trafficking in a schedule W drug and one count of possession of a schedule W drug. In a separate case, he was also indicted on one count of possessing Hydrocodone and violating the conditions of his release, a misdemeanor.
Timothy Koehler, 30 of Wilton, was indicted on one count of domestic violence reckless conduct and one count of domestic violence terrorizing.
Devin Leonard, 20 of Lewiston, was indicted on one count of possession of schedule drugs, as well as one count of violating the conditions of release and falsifying evidence, both misdemeanors.
Daniel Marshall, 27 of New Sharon, was indicted on one count of theft with priors for the same.
Scott McAlpine, 49 of Jay, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as fraudulently obtaining a license, a misdemeanor.
Elizabeth McArthur, 23 of Wilton, was indicted on one count of eluding, as well as two counts of violating the conditions of release and criminal speeding, all misdemeanors.
Dennis Meaney, 25 of Chesterville, was indicted on one count of aggravated reckless conduct, as well as one count of domestic violence assault and one count of domestic violence criminal threatening, both misdemeanors.
James Moores, 53 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of domestic violence assault with prior conviction for same, as well as criminal mischief and violating the conditions of his release, both misdemeanors.
Christian Morgan, 30 of Farmington, was indicted on domestic violence stalking with prior conviction for same, as well as criminal trespass, a misdemeanor.
Jennie Newell, 25 of Fayette, was indicted on one count of receiving stolen property.
Thomas Peaslee, 27 of Augusta, was indicted on one count of theft.
Barbara Pelletier, 55 of Wilton, was indicted on one count of theft.
Simon Quist, 22 of Readfield, was indicted on one count of trafficking in a schedule Z drug and one count of possession of a schedule W drug, a misdemeanor.
Tristan Ridlon, 27 of Vienna, was indicted on one count of theft and one count of operating after revocation of license with prior conviction for same.
Brett Roberts, 49 of Chesterville, was indicted on two counts of domestic violence assault with prior convictions for same, as well as refusing to submit to arrest, a misdemeanor.
Jason Sleeper, 39 of Wilton, was indicted on one count of possession of a schedule W drug and violating the conditions of his release, a misdemeanor.
Timothy Smith, 60 of Dixfield, was indicted on one count of reckless conduct with a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was also indicted on two counts of assault, obstructing the report of a crime or injury and criminal mischief, all of which are misdemeanors.
Michael Tracy, 48 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of operating after revocation, with prior convictions for same.
William Waas, 29 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of violating the conditions of his release.
Brandon Walker, 24 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of tampering with a witness, as well as violating the conditions of release, a misdemeanor. In a separate case, he was also indicted on one count of domestic assault with prior conviction for same.
Christopher Walker, 34 of Farmington, was indicted on one count of domestic violence assault with prior convictions for same.
Thankful these folks and their drugs are off the street. Thank you to all involved in bringing them to court. I hope the System keeps them off the street.
Same names time after time.
uhmm drugs are bad m’kay
Yes same names time after time but has anyone asked why. I am one of the above and I can tell you first hand that although you will never see my name again for new charges, there is little to no resources given to offenders. You are simply convicted, fined, and oftentimes jailed. Then, you are left depressed because you past mistakes now reflect on all your future endeavors. Where is the help? Being thrown in jail does not help. What is needed is counseling, support, and for the system to help people psychologically so that they reduce their chances of returning not just to jail but more importantly to a lifestyle that will land them back in jail again and again!
I would also like to add that I take full responsibility for my mistakes and refuse to use my own opinion of the system’s lack of resources as an excuse to continue making bad decisions. Fortunately, I am lucky enough to have a good support system of friends, family, etc to help me get back on track through counseling and other avenues. Most people are not so lucky and continue to fall back into the same patterns because they are surrounded by negative influences who do not point them towards necessary resources. All I am trying to say is that a lot of these people need the system to point them towards proper help and not just lock them up, release them, and expect them to change. I am hoping that someday I may be able to give someone the help they need as I am currently bbeing given.
Wow.. I am speechless. I suppose it’s a good sign that our police force are doing good work… but, I guess I am a bit shocked at the number of felons.
Elizabeth,
You were brought up hearing God’s word taught truthfully and you decided to turn your back from it all. The only help you will ever need is from Him. No worldly counceling is going to help you and deep down in your heart I think you know that. I will continue to pray for you and the rest of the youth who turned and walked away and hopefully you will remember all the truth you were taught and realize His Word is worth following.
Love,
Someone you really cares for you.
To the someone who really cares,
Thanks but I personally am all set. I think maybe once you broaden your horizons and get in touch with reality, maybe you will understand what I am saying. Or then again maybe you never will. I respect people’s personal views on life but what I do not respect is when people believe that only their views alone are right. This is the way I and all of the young people from OBBC were raised, closed-minded. This is why you will read and have read multiple names from that church in the paper for offenses. Continue to teach your youth to think with your mind and not their own and they will continue to fail because when they are on their own they have to try and exercise a mind of their own which they have never been taught to use. It is called brainwashing.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth McArthur
im pretty sure all these people are innocent
These are not convictions, folks. Probably 40 of these 45 are still roaming the streets as we speak. An indictment simply means the grand jury found that the prosecution had enough evidence to proceed to a trial. This is standard for all felonies. This IS America, and these people are innocent until otherwise proven guilty.
Also keep in mind that the jails are over crowded and if youve read the other articles you will see that were having difficulty with finding beds for prisoners. So the most people get is a slap on the wrist unless they can get you for 2+ years. This creates a false perception with the criminals that they can continue to do wrong and simply pay $25 a month for a payment plan for a fine. Well worth the $800 in stolen items they got for drugs that one time.
Theres not much the disctric attorneys can do, unless u all agree to pay higher taxes to build more jails so that people actually do the time when they do the crime.
Elizabeth – I am not, and never have been, a member of OBBC, and I have even had personal contentions with the pastor and other members of the church in the past. But I have to contend with you if you feel that living according to the way of the Lord is to be brainwashed. God knows what is best for us, and if we live by his teachings, we will have the most happiness and peace that we can have. It is just an idle tale that is told that religious people can’t think for themselves. The people who really think for themselves realize that they can’t go it alone in this earthly life without the grace of God, and they turn over their lives to him. It is much better to be dependent and to follow God’s path, then it is to be independent and rebellious toward God. We will all have to answer for our earthly conduct when we stand before Jesus Christ in judgment. We are all in need of his grace, no matter what type of life we live. To allow the teachings of Christ to rule our lives is the best thing we can do for ourselves, rather than living by thinking that we know what’s better for us than he does. The choice to lead life our own way, rather than by the ways of God, has consequences, both for this life and for eternity.
“This is why you will read and have read multiple names from that church in the paper for offenses.”
Are you including yourself in this group as it sounds like in your response? Somehow blaming a belief system that you rejected sometime in the past doesn’t sound like taking full responsibility for your “mistakes”.
Very well said ~ thank you :)
Look Up,,that’s where the answer is.
No OBBC or UMC or Vatican or educated counseler or blame game has “the” answer.
God have mercy on those that use His Word to “control or mistreat” His people.
Jesus said,
“Come to Me all who are heavy laden and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light”.
Let it go.
Commenters, maybe try to read what people write instead of inserting your own meaning. Otherwise you may as well have a discussion with yourself, right? Elizabeth has clearly said that she will not be blaming anyone other than herself from this point on if she makes a stupid choice, and she accepts that she is to blame for past stupid choices. That’s further than a lot of people get, so I say good job! Keep that up! She did not indicate that all churches are guilty of brainwashing either. In the case of the now splintered church she is referring to, brainwashing is exactly what occurs, as anyone who has gotten free can and will attest to. They fit the definition of the term ‘cult’ to a T and many, many local families have been torn to shreds as a result.
When young adults get loose from a situation where they have been told their whole lives that things like music, education, women working or living solo, gaining knowledge, thinking, dancing, etc. are the devil’s work and damnable offenses, and they realize the impossibility of half that fear mongering, then it is a natural course to test the true boundaries; to retest all of them, first hand often times, so that they can really trust what they believe. This is what she is pointing to as one potential cause for seeing certain people’s names in the police blotter. She isn’t excusing the individual’s responsibility by pointing out a key factor. And she brings up a brilliant point… Teach your kids HOW to think. Not WHAT to think.
Elizabeth, glad to see you making big strides in maturing and dealing with your decisions, good and bad. As for giving offenders resources instead of punishment: there are resources available, but they can’t be shoved down people’s throats. Unless people are ready and seek out the help, they have no reception or appreciation for it. Most of the people in this blotter are on a bad track, and no amount of services will help them until they are ready and seeking the help. Jailing them and fining them, etc, is a shock tactic, used to hopefully get them to wake up and get control of their lives back. Sadly, for most, it isn’t enough. But the responsibility is entirely their own to pull the reigns, not society or the penal system.
My two cents…
To the observer and commenters,
Thank you all for your input. What “the observer” said is exactly the truth of how I myself feel. I could not have said it any better! I am not trying to blameshift in any way, shape, or form. Sorry if that is how some took my comments. I again say that I take full responsibility for my choices. My only point in the comments I made was to explain how important I believe it is that people get proper help and not just jailtime but as “the observer” pointed out there are those who do not want help and will continue down the wrong path. For those who have come from my background though, I am trying to make the point that they need help breaking free from the brainwashing they have had for years. Again, it is not just this particular church; all systms that would tell someone what to think instead of how are guilty of producing such individuals.
Thanks! Elizabeth McArthur
God tells us in His Word how we are to think, act, speak, dress etc., etc, etc….As far as the church that is being referred to is concerned it is one in which the truth of God’s word is taught and lived out. Remember, Jesus was crucified and many of the early church believers were killed for following in His footsteps so it doesn’t surprise me that today people who choose not to believe in Him view true Christianity the same way they did in Biblical days.
Just because you don’t agree with what God teaches in His Word doesn’t mean it is wrong. As one commentor has already said — we will ALL stand before Him and give an account for our actions.
As far as brainwashing is concerned — my mind needed to be cleaned up and I am thankful God did it! Raising children in the way of the Lord not only provides them with everything they need to know to survive in this world, but gives them wisdom beyond measure ~~ but it is their choice whether or not to follow. When they decide they don’t want to follow, without fail they start blaming everyone else. Each and everyone of us has that decision to make – whether to follow Christ or not. I choose to follow Him HIS way. In His word He says that when people choose to follow Him that families will be torn apart because of it. This has nothing to do with whether or not you belong to a certain church. It has everything to do with whether or not you live your life for Christ the way He wants you to. If you do, your friends and family who don’t want anything to do with Him will not want to have anything to do with you either.