Author: Seamus Othot

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) arrested a New York man on Friday and seized over a pound of cocaine along with nearly $40,000 in suspected drug proceeds during a Portland raid. [RELATED: Ellsworth Woman Charged With Aggravated Drug Trafficking After Traffic Stop, MDEA Says…] The MDEA began an investigation into interstate cocaine trafficking with assistance from the South Portland Police Department. The investigation led officers to surveil an Airbnb on Emery Street in Portland, where law enforcement observed Raymond H. Teran, 51, of the Bronx, New York. The MDEA obtained a search warrant for the Airbnb and executed the…

The Westbrook Police Department arrested a 23-year-old man last week following a months-long investigation into the alleged dissemination of child pornography involving minors under the age of 12. [RELATED: Central Maine Town Manager, Dead By Suicide At 31, Was Under Police Watch…] Police arrested James Saunders, 23, of Westbrook, at his Kennard Street residence on a warrant on March 24, though police only issued a release on Monday. Investigators secured the warrant after a months-long investigation into alleged child pornography possession by the suspect. During the investigation, police searched the suspect’s residence, though his arrest came months after the search.…

The Clinton Police Department arrested a Waterville subject to an active arrest warrant on Monday after he allegedly stole from a Make-a-Wish Foundation donation jar intended to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses. [RELATED: Clinton, Maine Police Department Breaks The Stodgy Mold, Now An International Internet Sensation…] On Monday morning, the Clinton Police published an image from Clinton Variety conveniance store security footage showing a suspect. The suspect allegedly stole from a container on the store counter meant to collect donations for Make-a-Wish. “We’re pretty confident the Make-A-Wish Foundation was not, in fact, granting wishes for pocket cash,” said the Clinton…

A Greenwood motorcyclist was killed on Monday during a three-vehicle crash in Raymond. [RELATED: Hermon Woman Indicted on Manslaughter Charges After Allegedly Causing Fatal Crash While Drunk-Driving…] At approximately 7:27 p.m., deputies from the Cumberland Sheriff’s Department responded to the intersection of Webb’s Mills Road and Tarkiln Hill Road in Raymond with the Raymond Fire Department for reports of a three vehicle crash. Based on a preliminary investigation, police believe that Seth Hodgkins, 20, of Greenwood was traveling north on Route 85 at the time of the crash. At the same time, Seth Thayer, 23, of Raymond, was operating a…

The Bangor Police Department arrested a Hermon man on Sunday after he reportedly threatened a woman with a firearm. [RELATED: Windham Man Arrested for Domestic Violence After Reports of Shots Fired…] At approximately 10:10 p.m., Bangor police responded to reports of a domestic violence incident at a Broad Street residence. Officers arrived and spoke with the residents. Following an investigation, police learned that Garrett Foss, 31, of Hermon, had allegedly assaulted the home’s resident and threatened her with a firearm. Foss is a previously convicted felon and was thus allegedly prohibited from owning a firearm. He was arrested and charged…

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at ramping up nuclear energy production in the state to fight growing energy costs for consumers. [RELATED: Maine Has Highest 2024-2025 Energy Cost Increase With Staggering 36% Hike…] “I’ve issued an Executive Order directing our Dept. of Energy to work with lawmakers and industry leaders to foster next-generation nuclear in New Hampshire. Granite Staters’ electric bills are way too high, and we need to expand our energy supply to bring down costs,” said Gov. Ayotte. https://twitter.com/KellyAyotte/status/2037178939722915882 In her order, Ayotte pointed out that nuclear energy provides a far…

A tour bus carrying Massachusetts seventh and eighth graders caught fire in New Hampshire on Friday, but a swift evacuation saved all students from injury. [RELATED: Two Belfast Men Charged With Arson After Early Morning Structure Fire…] At around 6:30 p.m., NH State Troopers responded to reports of a bus fire on I-93 northbound near mile marker 99 in Woodstock. The 911 caller reported that a bus was actively on fire and the occupants were evacuating. Local firefighters arrived and confirmed that the back of the bus was fully engulfed in flames. Eventually, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire…

The Portland Police Department arrested two homeless men during a drug investigation on Sunday after responding to a report of trespassing at 15 Temple Street, home of the Twenty Seven Variety convenience store and The Works Bakery Cafe. [RELATED: Portland Development Director Issued Assault Summons Following Congress Street Incident…] At approximately 9:14 a.m., Portland officers responded after a business owner requested that two men be ordered to leave his premises. Officers arrived to allegedly see one individual attempt to pass something to another while apparently trying to conceal it. During the encounter, one of the suspects allegedly dropped a bag…

Two Chinese siblings were indicted on Thursday after they allegedly conspired to place an improvised explosive device (IED) at the MacDill Air Force Base Visitor’s Center in Tampa, Florida. [RELATED: Former Air Force F-35 Instructor Arrested After Defecting and Training Chinese Fighter Pilots…] The siblings, Alen Zheng, 20, living in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and Ann Mary Zheng, also of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, were charged with an alleged failed bomb plot. Alen Zheng was charged with attempted damage of government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. He…

Reps. Mike Soboleski (R-Philips), Katerina Smith (R-Palermo), and Alicia Collins (R-Sidney) visited the Maine Correctional Center on Friday and spoke with Katie Mountain, an inmate who previously told The Maine Wire that she had been threatened and sexually assaulted by trans-identifying male murderer Andrew Balcer. [RELATED: Liberty’s Prison: Female Prisoner Claims Corrections Officers Retaliated After She Complained About Assault By Trans-Identifying Male Inmate…] “This guy, Balcer, he is an agitator, a predator . He’s mean. He’s constantly trying to amuse himself at their cost and sexual innuendo, rubbing his erection against her, you know, just really being obnoxious and abusive.…

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested a Howland woman for arson on Friday following an extensive investigation into a 2022 fire at a convenience store. [RELATED: West Bath Woman Arrested for Arson and Animal Cruelty After Burning Down Her Own Goat Barn…] On the night of November 22, 2022, firefighters responded to reports of a blaze at the Howland Corner Store in Howland. Firefighters observed an active fire, and signs of rapid fire development shortly after the store closed for the night. The Fire Marshal’s Office mounted a years-long criminal and financial investigation that eventually led to arson charges…

The Rockland Police Department arrested a Whitfield man on Thursday after he allegedly broke into a Rockland apartment, stole a safe, and filled it with skunk essence. [RELATED: New York Minor Busted in Rockland for Drug Trafficking…] On Monday, Rockland Police received a report of a burglary at an apartment. The town’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) found that a suspect had allegedly broken into the apartment when its owner was on vacation and had stolen a safe. The suspect also reportedly doused the apartment in liquid skunk essence. After searching through security footage from nearby businesses, officers were able to…

Two 18-year-old suspects were busted on Tuesday after they allegedly stole liquor from a corner store in Wayne. [RELATED: New York Minor Busted in Rockland for Drug Trafficking…] “These two young men were obviously not thinking with a clear mind, as there are other way to satisfy your sweet tooth. They also forgot there are cameras everywhere, so don’t commit crimes in your pajamas,” said the Kennebec Sheriff’s Department At approximately 2:30 a.m., Deputy Elijah Curtis responded to the Cobbies Corner Store following reports of a burglary. The owner of the store showed Curtis security footage of the incident that…

A Chinese national living in California pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a multi-faceted wire fraud conspiracy that defrauded over 40 elderly victims across multiple states. [RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Sanford Police Execute Search Warrant at Chinese Spa with Federal Assistance As Part of Sex Trafficking investigation…] Danxiu Wang, 30, of China, residing in San Gabriel, California, defrauded her victims of over $1.2 million. According to court records, the case stemmed from an FBI investigation into a call-center scam targeting elderly victims in California and other states in May 2025. Wang and co-conspirators at the call center used three primary methods to trick…

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department was forced to respond on Friday to yet another hoax call reporting a threat against a school, prompting a lockdown at the Lake Region High School. [RELATED: Hoaxer Reporting Shooting at Bonny Eagle High School Leads to Lockdown and Police Response…] At approximately 7:30 a.m., Cumberland deputies responded after a call was placed to the Lake Region High School in Naples reporting that someone in the parking lot was armed with a rifle. The school resource officer from the sheriff’s department was on-site at the time, and additional deputies and officers from other law enforcement…

The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Glenburn man on Wednesday after he allegedly failed to report for a prison sentence following a guilty plea. [RELATED: Fugitive On the Run Since 2023 Arrested with Help from K9 Unit…] Penobscot deputies and detectives mounted an investigation into the whereabouts of Donald Searway, 41, of Glenburn, due to outstanding arrest warrants for his alleged failure to report to jail for a two-year sentence. He pleaded guilty to unspecified charges on September 29 but was not in jail at the time of the plea. He allegedly failed to report to the jail to…

York County GOP Chair Heidi Sampson and Independent York Sheriff Candidate Brian Pellerin challenged David Corbett’s petition to run for the sheriff as a Republican last week, accusing him of lying about his qualifications for the position. [RELATED: Cumberland County Chief Deputy Announces Independent Run for York County Sheriff…] According to state law, someone must have at least two years of supervisory experience in law enforcement or corrections in order to qualify to run for sheriff. Those requirements can be waived for anyone who can prove that they served as a full-time law enforcement officer prior to July 1990 or…

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) directed $2 million in federal taxpayer funding to a non-profit that seeks to address homelessness in Bangor by building tiny homes for homeless people. [RELATED: A Warning for Maine: NYC Spent $81,700 Per Homeless Person Last Year…] Sen. King’s office told the Bangor Daily News about the funding on Wednesday; it will go to the non-profit Dignity First. “People are discovering that if you can get homeless people into housing, then you can start to solve other problems associated with homelessness,” King told the Bangor paper. “I think the concept has been proven nationwide, and I…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Wednesday that it is temporarily easing fuel standards amid skyrocketing gas prices caused by the Iran war. [RELATED: Maine Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over Reversal of 2009 Greenhouse Gas Declaration…] “I just signed and announced a nationwide E15 and E10 fuel waiver to fortify U.S. fuel supply. This waiver ensures a robustly available supply of domestic fuel, providing Americans further relief at the pumps, and reducing our reliance on foreign oil. This means lower energy costs for ALL Americans—fulfilling President Trump’s Day One Executive Orders,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. https://twitter.com/epaleezeldin/status/2036847352053403846 The EPA’s temporary emergency…

The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office arrested a West Bath woman on Tuesday on arson and animal cruelty charges after she allegedly burned down her own goat barn. [RELATED: Possible Arson Under Investigation After Early Morning Fire at Portland Apartment Building…] At approximately 5:45 p.m., officers arrested Grace Burnham, 38, of West Bath, at her home. There was a fire at the same residence on March 14. That fire destroyed a small barn on the property that was being used to house goats. Burnham was transported to the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset, where she faces charges of arson, failure…

The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department arrested three suspects during a drug raid in Hermon that allegedly led to the seizure of half a kilogram of drugs. [RELATED: Penobscot Deputies Arrest Men in Hermon and Garland on Domestic Violence Charges…] At approximately 1:30 p.m., the Penobscot Sheriff’s Special Response Team executed a search warrant at a Crogan Road residence in Hermon. Deputies obtained the warrant after a multi-month investigation into drug trafficking operations by a deputy assigned to Hermon. During the warrant execution, deputies allegedly seized approximately half a kilogram of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl. As a…

A Medford man was critically injured on Monday when he was struck by a car in Veazie while trying to help a woman who had crashed into the median due to the snow. [RELATED: Skowhegan Man Arrested on Drug Charges after Causing Crash with NH Driver in Franklin County…] At approximately 7:02 p.m., Maine State Police Troopers responded to I-95 Northbound near mile marker 189 for reports of a crash. According to an initial investigation, police believe that an 18-year-old woman from Bangor had lost control of her 2013 Kia Sorento due to snowy conditions and came to rest in…

A truck carrying liquid nitrogen rolled over in Rockport on Wednesday morning, prompting a temporary road closure, as authorities provide scant details. [RELATED: Department Of Transportation Slams Brakes On Illegal Trucking Licenses With Loophole Closure Now In Effect…] The Rockport Fire Department announced via Facebook on Wednesday morning that a portion of Route 17, between the intersections with Route 90 and Meadow Street, would be closed for “an extended period of time.” The Fire Department included no additional details, and the Rockport Police Department did not issue its own statement on the closure. According to the Pen Bay Pilot, the…

The number of people receiving (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) SNAP benefits dropped under 40 million for the first time since 2020 in December, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced on Wednesday, citing a 3.3 million drop from January to December 2025. [RELATED: Trump Signs Executive Order Putting JD Vance in Charge of Federal Anti-Fraud Task Force, Raises Concerns About Fraud Linked to Somali Networks…] “Half a million people we have found in the last year that are taking benefits more than once. 200,000 dead people or people using dead people’s social security numbers. Of course we made a huge…

The Maine Warden Service is searching for a snowmobiler who allegedly caused more than $20,000 worth of damage to a tree nursery in Dayton. [RELATED: Former Game Warden Calls Out the Political Agenda Taking Hold of Maine’s Fish & Wildlife Service…] The Warden Service believes that at some point between February 26 and February 28, a suspect left a marked snowmobile trail in Dayton and drove through a roped-off area. He allegedly destroyed numerous trees and saplings, causing over $20,000 in damages at Pierson Nurseries in Dayton. The Saco Pathfinders Snowmobile Club and the Maine Snowmobile Association have each offered…

The Topsham Police Department arrested a man on Tuesday on drug charges after he was allegedly found with a significant amount of cocaine during a drug investigation. [RELATED: Milford Probation Search Leads to Seizure of Backpack of Drugs and Arrest of Repeat Offender…] On March 1, Topsham officers responded to the area of West School House Crossing Road for reports of an unspecified “issue.” During the investigation, officers met several people at a residence and became suspicious of drug activity inside the home. Police requested assistance from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA). They investigated the property and allegedly seized…

All eight of Maine’s Republican gubernatorial candidates gathered for the first time in Bangor on Tuesday evening for A Clash in Queen City, the debate hosted by The Maine Wire and moderated by Maine Wire Editor-in-Chief Steve Robinson. Each of the candidates argued that they should be the one to take Maine’s crown out of the gutter and fix the mess left by Gov. Janet Mills (D) in the sold-out Cross Insurance Center. Though some of the Republican hopefuls have debated before, this is the first time that all eight of those who will appear on the ballot competed on…

The Brewer School Department and its legal representatives from the Drummond-Woodsom law firm settled a First Amendment lawsuit on Saturday with the estate of Shawn McBreairty regarding a threat of legal action from Drummond-Woodsom attorney Melissa A. Hewey. McBreairty tragically died by suicide in June 2024, but his wife, Patricia McBreairty, continued the lawsuit with legal representation from First Amendment lawyer Marc Randazza. [RELATED: Maine Law Firm Tells Public Schools to Resist ICE Enforcement by Destroying Immigration Records…] “We resolved it for quite a large sum. But, I must admit to a small degree of disappointment. Melissa Hewey behaved shamefully,…

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Skowhegan man on Friday after he was allegedly caught with illegal drugs following a crash with a New Hampshire driver. [RELATED: Massachusetts Teen Flees Police in Maine and NH During Drugged Driving Pursuit Before Crashing Into an Overpass…] Franklin Deputy Isaac Wacome responded at approximately 9:47 p.m. to reports of a two-vehicle crash on Anson Valley Road in New Vineyard. Following an investigation, deputies allegedly determined that Zackery Eaton, 26, of Skowhegan, was operating a 2008 Ford Fusion eastbound when he lost control and reportedly swerved into the opposite lane. He allegedly struck…

The Brunswick Police Department confiscated a firearm on Tuesday from a suspect who allegedly threatened another man and booby-trapped his own apartment with a flash-bang grenade. [RELATED: Bomb Squad Responds After Limington Resident Finds Grenade Near Dumpster…] At approximately 5:21 p.m., the Brunswick Police Department responded to a Federal Street residence after receiving a report that an unnamed male suspect had threatened another man with a firearm. Officers arrived and learned that the suspect had allegedly approached the other man while wearing a mask and threatened him with a firearm. Police located the suspect, who allegedly had the firearm tucked…

A routine probation check on Tuesday led to the seizure of a backpack containing methamphetamine and the arrest of a repeat offender. [RELATED: New York Minor Busted in Rockland for Drug Trafficking…] At approximately 12:15 p.m., the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office joined Maine Probation and Parole to conduct a probation search at a French Settlement Road residence in Milford. Investigators allegedly located two suspicious backpacks during the search. A Penobscot deputy applied for and received a search warrant for the bags. One of the backpacks allegedly contained 23.5 grams of methamphetamine. The next day, at approximately 1:40 p.m., deputies returned…

Three men, including two Taiwanese nationals, were charged with allegedly smuggling $2.5 billion in sensitive AI-related computer technology to China, according to a federal indictment first unsealed on Thursday. [RELATED: Former Air Force F-35 Instructor Arrested After Defecting and Training Chinese Fighter Pilots…] “Controlling the export of sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology is essential to safeguarding our national security and defending the homeland. That’s why combating export violations is among the FBI’s highest priorities, and we will continue working with our law enforcement, private sector, and international partners to bring to justice all who take action to undermine U.S. national…

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) voted against two bills this week that would increase immigration enforcement, one that would make fraudsters deportable, and another targeting foreigners who harm police dogs. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) broke with his party majority and supported the bill to deport animal abusers, but voted with Pingree on the other bill. Both bills passed despite Democratic opposition. [RELATED: Pingree Votes Against Condemning Violent Anti-ICE Riots in LA While Golden Supports Resolution…] On Wednesday, the House voted 231-186 in favor of Rep. David Taylor’s (R-Ohio) “Deporting Fraudsters Act.” The bill drew unanimous support from voting Republicans and prompted…

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Bonney Eagle High School on Wednesday after a report of an active shooter situation that was later determined to be a hoax. [RELATED: RSU 34 Placed on Lockdown Following Threat Later Deemed Non-Credible…] At approximately 11:49 a.m., the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the school for reports of an active shooter. Numerous other law enforcement agencies responded as well, and the school went into lockdown. Emergency Communications Officers at the Cumberland County Regional Communications Center eventually determined that the call was a hoax, but deputies continued to investigate out of an…

Former Maine Center for Disease Control head and Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Nirav Shah blamed ICE raids for a reported January drop in retail revenue. [RELATED: As Many Maine Businesses Take a Long Weekend to Protest ICE, Others Dare to Stay Open While Making Anti-ICE Statements…] “The Maine Center for Economic Policy just put out some data on how economically impactful the January ICE raids were. What they found was disturbing. They found about a drop of about [sic] $3.4 million in retail activity in the parts of Maine that were the most affected by the raids,” said Shah in a…

The Rockland Police Department arrested a minor from New York on Wednesday on drug trafficking charges. [RELATED: Massachusetts Teens Among Those Arrested in Franklin County Drug Raid…] At approximately 6:30 p.m., the Rockland Police Department received information from the Knox County Sheriff’s Department informing them that an individual allegedly involved in drug trafficking operations on Vinalhaven Isle was in Rockland. Knox deputies joined Rockland police to make contact with the suspect. After meeting the suspect, police allegedly discovered crack cocaine, fentanyl, $4,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and a loaded handgun/ Police identified the suspect as a juvenile from Brooklyn, New…

The Limestone Fire Department responded on Wednesday after reports of a building engulfed in flames. [RELATED: Possible Arson Under Investigation After Early Morning Fire at Portland Apartment Building…] The fire department arrived at 302 Main Street at approximately 1:44 a.m. and found a building fully involved in the fire. The building was a potato storage facility owned by Butler farms Fire crews remained on scene until 3:57 a.m., working to suppress the flames, but the building was nevertheless a total loss. The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office sent investigators to determine the cause of the blaze. Based on an analysis…

A Massachusetts man was indicted on Wednesday after he allegedly forcibly sex trafficked four women, including one who was a minor when the trafficking began, in an operation spanning seven states, including Maine. [RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Sanford Police Execute Search Warrant at Chinese Spa with Federal Assistance As Part of Sex Trafficking investigation…] A federal grand jury indicted Daniel Rodriguez, 36, of Cambridge, Mass., on charges of sex trafficking a minor, four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of persuading, inducing, enticing, and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution. Rodriguez…

The Rockland Police Department arrested three suspects on drug charges on Tuesday after receiving reports of illegal drug use at a subsidized housing development for elderly and handicapped people. [RELATED: Apartment Building Drug Bust Leads to Arrest of Rockland Man…] At approximately 3:00 p.m., the Rockland Police Department received reports of drug use at the subsidized housing and began an investigation. Officers spoke with multiple people well known to law enforcement, including people out on bail conditions and probation, and one person subject to an active arrest warrant. Police allegedly discovered and seized 50 grams of fentanyl and an unspecified…

The Portland Police Department made a shocking discovery on Thursday after a caller reported the discovery of human remains. [RELATED: 19-Year-Old UMaine Student Missing Since January Found Dead in Orono Pond…] At approximately 8:42 a.m., the Portland Police Department received a call requesting that they respond to the Homeless Services Center at 654 Riverside Street. The caller reported the discovery of human remains in the woods behind the building. Police arrived to discover decomposed human remains that appeared to have been there for “a significant amount of time.” Police are working to identify the deceased. They do not currently believe…

A 19-year-old UMaine student was found dead in an Orono retention pond on Tuesday after he was first reported missing in January. [RELATED: Auburn Police Investigating after Homeless Man Found Dead…] The Orono police received a tip from a local resident, urging them to investigate the retaining pond outside an apartment complex. Officers arrived to discover a deceased person in the water, and requested assistance from the Maine Warden Services to remove the body from the pond. The Maine State Medical Examiner examined the remains, and authorities identified them as belonging to Chance Lauer, 19, of Orono. Lauer was first…

The Maine State Police arrested a Skowhegan man on murder and assault charges after he allegedly killed a man and injured a woman in an Augusta shooting in February. [RELATED: Carrabassett Valley Man Arrested for Murder After Shooting 23-Year-Old Connecticut Woman…] The State Police Major Crimes Unit arrested Edward Longley, 30, of Skowhegan, at approximately 2:14 p.m. on Wednesday on charges of murder and elevated aggravated assault. He was charged following an investigation into a February 2 shooting on Flagg Street in Augusta. During that shooting, Billyjack Curtis, 51, of Augusta, and Sherry Gilley, 40, of Brunswick, were hit. Gilley…

Conservative Augusta school board member James Orr took a stand against radical gender ideology in schools on Monday, vowing to oppose any proposed budgets until the district decides to comply with federal Title IX antidiscrimination law. [RELATED: Conservative Augusta School Board Member Speaks Out on Serious Issues Facing the District…] “I’m going to be voting no. The reason why I’m going to be voting no is just as a point of until [sic] we decide that we are going to follow federal law and Title IX and stop this gender nonsense, I’m not going to be voting in favor of…

The New Hampshire state police arrested a Massachusetts 18-year-old on Monday after he allegedly led them on a multi-town pursuit while high after fleeing police in Maine and eventually crashed into a wall. [RELATED: Maine State Police arrest suspect in Skowhegan homicide after pursuit across three states…] At approximately 12:30 a.m. NH State Trooper Daniel Bourque spotted a 2014 Chrysler 300 allegedly speeding at 118 mph in Greenland on I-95. Borque attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver reportedly refused to comply and fled, sparking a pursuit. The Chrysler reportedly entered Route 101 near the Hampton Side Toll Plaza…

A burlesque and drag show event put on by “Port City Peep Show” and hosted at the Austin Street Brewery in Portland drew criticism from the seemingly left-wing social media users on Reddit after a child performed at the event featuring drag queens and strippers. [RELATED: UPDATE: DHHS Drag Queen: Former Maine Child Protective Worker and Current DHHS Employee Was Set to Headline Now-Canceled Bangor Drag Show for Children…] “I went to a burlesque show over the weekend and there was a kid performing. I’m not sure how old she was, but maybe middle school. She sang a song. She…

The Rockland Police Department arrested a Warren man on Sunday after he allegedly tried to force a driver off the road, seemingly without motive. Law enforcement received multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle operating erratically and traveling at high speeds. At approximately 9:00 a.m., Rockland officers spotted the vehicle allegedly driving into oncoming traffic in an attempt to recklessly pass another driver despite a double yellow line. Officers then pulled the vehicle over and identified the driver as Michael Canfield, 29, of Warren. Further investigation reportedly revealed that Canfield had tried to force another driver off the road “at random”…

The Maine State Police Bomb Squad responded to Limington on Monday after a resident reportedly discovered a grenade near a dumpster. [RELATED: Just Lying Around: Cumberland County Bomb Squad Called to Remove WWII British Artillery Shell…] At approximately 5:30 p.m., a Limington man called the Augusta Regional Communications Center with a strange report, claiming that he found a grenade near a dumpster along the town’s Number 1 Road. Maine State Police troopers responded and corroborated the man’s suspicion that the device was dangerous. They requested assistance from the bomb squad, which sent technicians to examine the apparent grenade. Technicians attempted…

A Somali-founded money transfer bank, Dahabshiil, with links to Maine Home Care fraud and Rep. Yusuf Yusuf (D-South Portland), has ties to a sanctioned Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) oil vessel, according to a Somaliland-based outlet. [RELATED: Rep. Yusuf Yusuf Tied in to Vast Network of Million-Dollar Somali-Run Medicaid Recipients and Money Transfers…] “A finding that its petroleum subsidiary systematically accepted shadow fleet cargo while concealing vessel identities from its banking partners, the public, and the press is not merely a legal problem. It is an existential one for the remittance architecture that moves the Somali diaspora’s money home,” said…

Maine Department of Corrections (DOC) commissioner Randall Liberty defended his decision to allow a 310lb trans-identifying male murderer to live in the women’s prison when House Minority Leader Billy-Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) questioned the policy. [RELATED: Liberty’s Prison: Female Prisoner Claims Corrections Officers Retaliated After She Complained About Assault By Trans-Identifying Male Inmate…] “The Department follows State and Federal law in its practices regarding transgender residents,” said Liberty, Rep. Faulkingham reached out to the far-left Commissioner Liberty after The Maine Wire published an article in late February including allegations from a female inmate, Katie Mountain, who claimed that she had…

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is restoring nearly $500,000 stolen from two Mainers via a cryptocurrency investment scam. [RELATED: Trump Signs Order to Prevent the Creation of a CBDC, Promote Cryptocurrencies…] According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the victims, who were not named, transferred over $800,000 to cryptocurrency wallets owned by scammers in 2022. The FBI was able to seize $470,773 from those scammers in USDT (Tether)—a form of cryptocurrency equivalent in value to the dollar that was traced to the Maine victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture complaint against the…

The Houlton Police Department worked with Border Patrol agents on Thursday to arrest two alleged drug traffickers and execute a search warrant. [RELATED: Houlton Man Arrested for Domestic Violence and Distributing Child Porn…] Houlton Police Officer Joshua Foster was responding to a routine service call when he obtained information on drug-related activities in town. Foster then worked with other officers to conduct further investigation, and eventually applied for and received a search warrant for a Houlton residence on Court Street. At approximately 7:53 p.m., Houlton officers, joined by three Border Patrol agents, executed the search warrant. One suspect was on…

The Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department is searching for two suspects believed to be responsible for a car theft and a string of burglaries in Turner, Auburn, and Sabattus on Friday. [RELATED: Bangor Burglar Busted Breaking Into Home with Officers Watching…] At approximately 3:21 a.m., the Maine State Police were notified of a burglar alarm activation at Northeastern Firearms at 868 Auburn Road in Turner. Police notified the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department and dispatched deputies. Deputies arrived at the firearm dealer and allegedly found evidence of an attempted burglary but determined that the would-be thieves were unable to gain entry. Minutes after deputies…

York County Sheriff William L. King appointed an attorney previously convicted for his role in a drug-related money laundering scheme to a board responsible for overseeing the York County Jail, where corrections officers keep being arrested. [RELATED: Dropping Like Flies: Yet Another York Corrections Officer Indicted for Smuggling Contraband to Inmate…] The attorney, Gary Prolman, was previously suspended from practicing law due to an inappropriate sexual relationship with a client and allegedly has a history of cocaine use. Prolman will serve on the York County Jail Board of Visitors (BOV), the Sheriff’s Department announced via a Facebook post on Tuesday.…

President Donald Trump’s administration restored federal funding to the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) after it was removed because the department houses violent trans-identifying males with women. [RELATED: DOJ Pulls Federal Funding from Maine’s Department of Corrections for Housing a Dangerous, Biological Male in a Women’s Prison…] Trans-identifying males are still allegedly terrorizing incarcerated women, but The Maine Wire can confirm that the funding was quietly restored in June just months after Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly bragged about defending women and revoked non-essential funding in April. “We will pull your funding. We will protect women in prison. We will…

The Penobscot Sheriff’s Department is investigating after a person was stabbed during a possible home invasion in Mattawamkeag on Thursday. [RELATED: Woman Arrested following Bangor Stabbing Incident…] At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, a 911 caller reported a possible home invasion at an Indian Avenue residence involving a stabbing. Deputies responded and discovered that the stabbing victim had fled in a vehicle. They tracked the victim to another residence and confirmed that he had been stabbed. He was transported to the Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln. The Maine State Police joined deputies to secure the scene of the alleged stabbing,…

Augusta School Board Member James Orr addressed significant issues facing the school district during Wednesday’s meeting, including LGBT books for children, a class on Ramadan, and a high rate of absentee students. He also tried to address a formal admonishment he received based in part on his opposition to the department’s transgender policies before he was cut off. [RELATED: Conservative Augusta School Board Member Receives Letter of Reprimand After Speaking Against Pro-Trans Policies…] “I will end with this. Matthew 18:6, Jesus says, ‘Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for…

The Bangor Police Department arrested a Guilford man on kidnapping charges on Thursday after he allegedly held a woman prisoner at gunpoint. [RELATED: Lewiston Man Arrested for Kidnapping after Trying to Force His Ex-Girlfriend to Steal from a Walmart…] A woman called the Bangor police, claiming that she had been assaulted and held at gunpoint while staying in a Bangor hotel room. She told police that she had been staying at an Odlin Road motel with Joseph Pepin, 48, of Guilford, over the week. On the night of March 11, she told officers, she attempted to leave, and Pepin allegedly…

The Somerset Sheriff’s Department arrested six alleged drug traffickers, including two from Massachusetts, on Tuesday during a warrant execution on Ward Hill Road in Norridgewock. [RELATED: MDEA Bust in Searsport Leads to Five Arrests Including Two Suspects from Massachusetts…] At approximately 5:40 a.m., the department’s criminal division executed a search warrant at a residence on Ward Hill Road belonging to William Allen. The Criminal Division obtained the warrant after a month-long investigation into drug trafficking operations. Six Sheriff’s Department Detectives, three patrol deputies, and three Waterville Police Detectives, along with four Customs and Border Protection agents with their K-9 unit…

A Salvadoran illegal immigrant was sentenced on Wednesday after re-entering the country illegally following two prior deportations. [RELATED: Alleged Salvadoran Terrorist Wanted by Interpol for Murder Arrested in Maine…] Helmer Osmin Gutierrez, 43, of El Salvador, was arrested in October after he was pulled over for a traffic violation in Farmington. The Farmington police officer requested assistance in identifying the four men in the vehicle. The Border Patrol agent identified the other three occupants and Gutierrez. A field immigration inspection determined that Gutierrez was an El Salvadoran citizen with no documentation showing that he was legally present in the U.S.…

Two teenagers from Massachusetts were among those arrested during a Wednesday drug raid at a Carthage residence following a months-long investigation. [RELATED: South Portland Man Faces Potential 20-Year Sentence After Cocaine Trafficking Guilty Plea…] The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) and Rumford Police Department, executed a search warrant at 810 Carthage Road in Carthage. The residence, owned by Michael Gordon Jr., 37, of Carthage, appears to be a mobile home. During the warrant execution, officers allegedly seized more than 150 grams of suspected illegal drugs, and over $1,000 in suspected drug proceeds.…

The Bangor Police Department arrested a man on Thursday on domestic violence charges after he allegedly attacked a child. [RELATED: Windham Man Arrested for Domestic Violence After Reports of Shots Fired…] The Bangor Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division launched an investigation into alleged child abuse on State Street. The allegations suggested that a child had been beaten with a wooden dowel, and the Department of Health and Human Services joined to assist in the investigation. Police uncovered enough evidence to arrest Henry Osei, 41, of Bangor, on a charge of domestic violence assault. Police stated that Osei was a household…

A South Portland man faces up to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty on Thursday to cocaine trafficking charges after selling to undercover Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) investigators three times. [RELATED: South Portland Habitual Offender Who Obtained a $20k PPP Loan for His ‘Courier’ Business While on Probation Arrested for Drug Trafficking…] Between February and March 2024, an MDEA posing as a drug trafficker purchased cocaine from Lynel Moultrie, 43, of South Portland on “at least” three occasions. Investigators recorded the transactions, and Moultrie was arrested. Law enforcement searched 857 Broadway #2 and 112 Colin Kelly Rd.…

The Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department arrested three suspects on Tuesday during a search-warrant execution following a months-long investigation. [RELATED: MDEA Bust in Searsport Leads to Five Arrests Including Two Suspects from Massachusetts…] At approximately 1:30 p.m., Androscoggin deputies, working with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, executed a search warrant at a Bean Street residence in Turner. Investigators obtained the search warrant following a months-long investigation into drug trafficking, initiated after community members reported suspicious activities. During the warrant execution, deputies allegedly discovered 25.2 grams of fentanyl, 11.79 grams of crack cocaine, 15.2 grams of cocaine, and 18.5 grams of methamphetamine along…

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows signed onto a letter with eight other left-wing secretaries of state demanding written confirmation from the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary nominee that no ICE agents will be present at polling places. [RELATED: New Poll Shows 63% of Mainers Back Ban on Shenna Bellows’ Noncitizen Voters Raiding Elections…] “That we even have to ask for written assurances that the federal government won’t deploy armed agents to the polls is a sad and frightening sign of the times we’re in,” said Secretary of State Bellows. “The Constitution and laws could not be more clear that…

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) executed two drug-related search warrants in Searsport on Tuesday following a months-long investigation, and arrested five suspects. [RELATED: MDEA Bust Involving Border Patrol Leads to Arrest of New Jersey Man and Two Others…] On Tuesday, the MDEA applied for search warrants for two Searsport addresses: 22 Homestead Lane and 119 Loop Road. The warrant request followed a several-months-long investigation in collaboration with the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department and Searsport Police Department into methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking at the two residences. Prior to obtaining the warrants, investigators conducted multiple undercover purchases of cocaine base and…

The Cumberland Sheriff’s Department arrested a Massachusetts man wanted for homicide in Baldwin on Saturday after they encountered him by chance during a wellness check. [RELATED: Fugitive On the Run Since 2023 Arrested with Help from K9 Unit…] At approximately 10:45 p.m., Cumberland deputies responded to a Bridgeton Road address after callers requested a wellness check for a male in a vehicle. When deputies arrived, they initially believed the man in the vehicle was unconscious. The patrol sergeant who responded quickly determined that the man was Jean Michael Warner Delgado, 20, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Delgado is allegedly a violent wanted…

Left-wing Senate hopeful Graham Platner brought his campaign to the York County Jail on Sunday and posed for a photo-op with the left-wing Sheriff William King, despite the growing number of corrections officers there indicted for smuggling. [RELATED: Dropping Like Flies: Yet Another York Corrections Officer Indicted for Smuggling Contraband to Inmate…] Sheriff King, who is currently running for re-election, announced Platner’s tour of the facility via his campaign Facebook page. “Graham Platner stopped by the jail yesterday for a tour. Major Lori Marks demonstrated the body scanner, and Sergeant Martin and Officer Leary briefed the candidate on the booking…

The Somerset Sheriff’s Department arrested three Skowhegan residents on March 1 after they were allegedly found with illegal drugs in a stolen vehicle. [RELATED: Clifton Man Found Unconscious with 500 Grams of Drugs After Stopping in The Middle of a Lincoln Road…] At approximately 10:57 a.m., Deputy Conner Falardeau pulled over a silver 2025 Nissan Versa with Florida plates. He recognized the vehicle from a state database of stolen cars, as one that had allegedly been reported stolen the previous night in Piscataquis County. Falardeau found four people in the vehicle: the driver, Ryan Corson, 43, of Skowhegan, Hanna Gerrier,…

The Windham Police Department arrested a man on domestic violence charges on Monday after receiving reports of shots being fired at a local residence. [RELATED: Brownfield Man Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges after Shooting at Woman…] At approximately 9:30 p.m., police received reports of a disturbance involving someone allegedly shooting at a residence at 5 Cornfield View. Officers arrived to discover that a single gunshot had been fired during an alleged domestic dispute, and the suspect had allegedly fled into the woods. Law enforcement established a perimeter, and personnel from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Gorham Police Department, and…

The Wiscasset Police Department arrested a man on arson and attempted murder charges on Monday after he allegedly tried to set his girlfriend on fire in bed. [RELATED: Buxton Woman Arrested for Arson after Burning Car in Dispute with Boyfriend…] The Wiscasset Police Department responded to 154 Beechnut Hill Road for reports of an intentionally set fire inside the home. Investigators arrived and allegedly determined that the homeowner, Terry Couture, 41, of Wiscasset, intentionally set a bed on fire with both himself and his girlfriend in it following a disagreement. The fire was extinguished before either of them was injured.…

The Lincoln Police Department arrested a Clifton man on Monday after he was allegedly found with drugs, a firearm, and thousands in cash while unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle and stopped in the road. [RELATED: Westbrook Police Arrest Auburn Man On Multiple Active Warrants After Taking A Nap In Drive-Thru…] At approximately 7:30 a.m., the Lincoln Police Department responded to reports of an erratic driver in the area of West Broadway and Penobscot Valley Avenue. The caller reported that a black Mazda CX-50 with Massachusetts plates was swerving, repeatedly altering speed, and nearly leaving the roadway. Officers arrived…

The Maine State Police arrested a Carrabassett Valley man on Monday; he allegedly shot and killed a 23-year-old Connecticut woman. [RELATED: Marshals Track Down Georgia Murder Suspect Hiding Out in Auburn…] On Sunday at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Franklin County Regional Communications Center received a call reporting that a woman had been shot in Carrabassett Valley. First responders arrived to discover Makayla Rose Desantis, 23, of Colchester, Connecticut, severely injured and suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported by ambulance to the MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. She was then transferred to the Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she…

A new poll from Quantus Insights gave a small glimmer of hope to Gov. Janet Mills (D-Maine) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) on Monday in their electoral battles against Graham Platner after it gave him a smaller lead than the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Pine Tree State Poll. [RELATED: Pine Tree Poll Shows Bad News for Collins and Mills, Good Results for LePage, and Gives Bobby Charles Massive Primary Lead…] Quantus Insights questioned a pool of 800 likely voters from March 3-5 on the highly contested midterm senate race for the seat currently held by Sen. Collins, a race that could have…

A suspected drunk driver knocked down a telephone pole in Standish on Sunday, downed wires, and caused an hours-long road closure while Central Maine Power responded to make repairs. [RELATED: Cross-Border Assistance: Off-Duty Ogunquit Cop Helps Stop Drunk Driver Fleeing Police in NH…] At approximately 11:45 a.m., Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Standish Fire Department responded to reports of a crash at 417 Bonny Eagle Road, Standish. A vehicle allegedly crashed into a telephone pole, leaving the driver entrapped. Driver Anthony Black, 26, of Standish was reportedly traveling northbound when he drove off the right side of…

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested a Buxton woman for arson on Friday after investigators determined that she allegedly intentionally set a vehicle on fire following an argument with her boyfriend. [RELATED: 15-Year-Old Charged With Class A Arson in Gorham Fire, Officials Say…] At approximately 6:14 p.m. on February 26, the Buxton Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a burning vehicle at a Joyce Street residence in Buxton. The Fire Department and Buxton Police Department responded to discover a red 2011 Subaru Impreza fully engulfed in flames. The vehicle was sitting in the home’s driveway, and responders found…

A York County Sheriff’s Deputy was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital after he rear-ended a pickup truck in Waterboro on Friday, severely damaging his cruiser. [RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: York’s County Mechanic Suspended for Just One Day After Pulling Someone Over in a Cruiser The Sheriff Lent Him…] At approximately 1:00 p.m., Deputy Stephen Gould was driving a marked Sheriff’s Department cruiser southbound on Main Street in Waterboro when he rear-ended a 2015 Ford pickup operated by Matthew Cole, 44, of North Waterboro. According to York Sheriff William King, Cole came to a stop while trying to turn east…

Maine’s Deadly Force Review Panel issued a recommendation on Friday following a review into the 2024 deadly shooting of a suspect by Brewer Police Chief Jason Moffitt. [RELATED: Kennebec County Pursuit Ends in Police Shooting and Arrest of Man Wanted on Felony Charges…] The panel examined the March 22, 2024 fatal shooting of Barry Chick Jr., 39, who was shot by Moffitt after callers reported that he brandished a firearm after being detained for shoplifting at a Walmart. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey already ruled in late 2024 that Chief Moffitt was reasonable in believing himself to be at imminent…

The Penobscot Sheriff’s Department arrested a Plymouth felon on Sunday after he was allegedly found in possession of a firearm during a child welfare check. [RELATED: Old Orchard Beach Police Bust Arundel Man Found with Cocaine and Over $16K Cash in His Car…] At approximately 8:00 a.m., the Sheriff’s Department received a report of possible child abuse at a Plymouth residence. Deputies responded to the residence to investigate and developed a suspicion that one of the people involved in the incident, Lardarrias Williams, 30, originally of Florida, was in possession of a firearm. Further investigation revealed that Williams was a…

The Old Orchard Beach Police Department arrested an Arundel man on Thursday after he was allegedly found with cocaine and over $16,000 in cash during a traffic stop. [RELATED: Fugitive On the Run Since 2023 Arrested with Help from K9 Unit…] At approximately 12:49 a.m., officers conducting proactive traffic enforcement pulled over a vehicle operated by Joshua A. Poissant, 38, of Arundel. Police learned that Poissant was subject to two sets of bail conditions and requested assistance from a K-9 unit for a drug search. K-9 Lobo responded and allegedly confirmed the presence of drugs in the vehicle, leading law…

A Somali immigrant living in Auburn who founded a translation service business tied to a home health operation billing millions to MaineCare and facing federal investigation pleaded guilty to tax fraud on Wednesday after filing a false tax return. [RELATED: Affinity Homecare: DHHS Tries to Recoup Nearly $450k from HomeCare Business Co-Located with Business Operated by Rep. Yusuf Yusuf and Money Transfer Station…] Rakiya Mohamed, 30, of Auburn, pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of interfering with the administration of federal tax laws. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District…

Yet another York County Sheriff’s Department Corrections Officer has been indicted for allegedly smuggling contraband into the York County Jail, following three similar indictments in November. [RELATED: Plot Thickens: Three York County Corrections Officers Indicted on Charges of Accepting Bribes…] York Sheriff William L. King issued a press release on Wednesday, announcing that a York Judicial Center Grand Jury indicted former York County Corrections Officer Jason Gilpatrick, 49, of Lebanon, along with two other suspects. Gilpatrick was charged with trafficking in prison contraband after he allegedly provided a vape to Christiane Hollis, 48, of Lebanon, who was incarcerated on charges…

The Oxford Sheriff’s Department arrested a Brownfield man on domestic violence charges on Thursday after he allegedly shot at his female victim. [RELATED: Penobscot Deputies Arrest Men in Hermon and Garland on Domestic Violence Charges…] At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies, along with the Maine State Police and Fryeburg Rescue, responded to a Wakefield Road residence in Brownfield. The caller reported a domestic violence incident involving firearms. She told the police that a man in possession of firearms fired multiple rounds inside and outside the residence and at the victim, though he did not hit her. The victim successfully…

Penobscot Sheriff’s Department deputies tracked down a fugitive on Thursday who had been on the run from drug and firearm charges since 2023. [RELATED: Fugitive With Four Active Arrest Warrants Arrested in Otisfield…] Following a lengthy investigation, deputies took K-9 Memphis to follow up on a lead suggesting that a wanted fugitive was hiding out in Dixmont. Deputies arrived at a Dixmont residence and located Jesse Weeman, 29, of Dixmont, and Ashley Wilber, 42, of Orrington, sitting outside in a vehicle. Weeman was wanted on outstanding warrants from 2023 and 2024 for drug and firearm charges. A search of the…

The Bangor Police Department arrested a burglar on Thursday after they allegedly witnessed him breaking into a home moments after they had stopped him from doing the same thing. [RELATED: Lebanon Man with Outstanding Warrants Arrested After Resisting Arrest and Being Tased…] At approximately 3:15 a.m., the Bangor Police Department responded to a Center Street apartment after the tenant reported that someone was attempting to break in. Strangely, the caller did not want the suspect arrested but simply wanted the police to make him leave. Police arrived and located a man matching the description given by the caller, identifying him…

The York County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Lebanon man on Wednesday after he was allegedly found to be subject to multiple outstanding arrest warrants during a traffic stop and resisted arrest. [RELATED: Two Madison Residents with Outstanding Warrants Arrested during Drug Raid…] At approximately 1:40 p.m., Deputy Levi Johnson allegedly witnessed a traffic violation on Route 202 in Lebanon. He pulled the vehicle over and recognized the passenger as Jamison Snyder, 54, of Lebanon. Johnson was aware that Snyder was subject to multiple outstanding arrest warrants on charges of operating after revoked habitual offender status, refusing to submit to arrest,…

The left-wing Augusta School Board issued a formal admonishment against Conservative board member James Orr for alleged policy violations after he criticized the school district’s liberal transgender policies. [RELATED: Liberals Claim Victory in Augusta School Board After Two Conservative-Leaning Candidates Ran and Split the Vote…] “We value your insights and your passion for sharing your opinions, but that passion must be channeled through the professional standards we all agreed to uphold. As Board members, we set the examples for the students and community for respectful discourse,” said School Board Chair Martha Witham in her letter to Orr. Orr spoke with…

A Bangor woman is facing a potential 30-year prison sentence after she pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. [RELATED: Attempted Bank Fraud in Houlton Leads to Cross-Border Chase Into Canada Involving Canadian Mounted Police…] Nichole Kelley, 46, of Bangor, pleaded guilty to her role in a bank fraud conspiracy that lasted from July to October 2024. As part of the scheme, Kelley entered banks while impersonating legitimate bank customers. She used false ID cards to access and withdraw funds from the accounts of the victims. Investigators searched Kelley’s home and seized two false IDs with different…

Somali-run home care agencies aren’t the only Medicaid recipients failing audits. The immigrant resettlement organization Catholic Charities of Maine failed two audits, one in 2020 and one in 2024, all while taking in millions in taxpayer funds. [RELATED: Catholic Charities Maine Plans to Resettle 150 Refugees in 100-Mile Radius Around Bangor…] In July 2020, auditors with MaineCare’s Office of Program Integrity sent Catholic Charities of Maine a notice of violation after a review of their 2016-2018 Medicaid billing. The review found that the resettlement organization failed to provide a variety of records, including comprehensive assessments of patients’ medical needs, individual…

The Auburn Police Department is investigating after a homeless man was found dead on Tuesday at an encampment near the railroad tracks. [RELATED: Railroad Company Begins Clearing Bangor Homeless Camp Along Train Tracks…] At approximately 3:02 p.m., the Auburn Police Department and the Auburn Fire Department responded to reports of a medical emergency at a homeless encampment near the railroad tracks at 104 Washington Street North. The first responders quickly located a 47-year-old homeless man who was deceased upon their arrival. Police do not believe the death is suspicious, but an investigation is ongoing. They did not release the name…

The U.S. military launched a joint operation in Ecuador against “Designated Terrorist Organizations” on Tuesday, even as the war with Iran continues. [RELATED: Maine Playing Growing Role In ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ With War Planes And Ships Joining The Fray…] “We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country,” said U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2029011785567572285 According to SOUTHCOM’s statement, U.S. forces joined Ecuador to launch operations against foreign terrorist organizations engaged in narco-terrorism. While SOUTHCOM…

Democrats in Maine’s Legislature put forward a bill that appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to hinder ICE from holding any detainees in the state’s jails under the guise of increasing access to facilities for Maine law enforcement. [RELATED: DHS Slams Sheriff Joyce After “Bush League” Arrest Critique — ICE Pulls Detainees from Cumberland County Jail, HSI Subpoenas I-9 Records…] Sen. Rachel Talbot-Ross (D-Cumberland) sponsored LD 2058, titled “An Act to Require Municipal and County Jails to Be Available at All Times for the Detention of Persons Arrested on Criminal Charges by Maine Law Enforcement Officers.” Three Democratic lawmakers…

Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two men in Gray on Sunday after they allegedly discharged firearms from a moving vehicle while passing a cruiser. [RELATED: Portland PD Investigating Shooting That Damaged a Seventh-Day Adventist Church…] At approximately 1:08 a.m., a deputy in a marked sheriff’s cruiser was conducting routine stationary traffic enforcement on West Gray Road in Gray when he saw what appeared to be muzzle flashes and heard what he believed to be gunfire. He determined that the gunfire was allegedly coming from a passing vehicle and took action. The deputy then allegedly witnessed another volley of gunfire, and…

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) arrested three people, including a New Jersey man, and executed warrants in Baileyville and Calais following a week-long investigation into a motel-based drug operation. [RELATED: Vassalboro Man Busted with 2,000 Grams of Cocaine Following Maine DEA Investigation…] On Monday, the MDEA executed a search warrant at a Baileyville motel following a week-long surveillance operation into suspected drug trafficking activities. During the surveillance operation, agents allegedly witnessed activity in one room consistent with drug trafficking and applied for and received a search warrant. At approximately 8:30 a.m., agents reportedly witnessed Katherine Smith, 36, of Baileyville…

U.S. Marshals arrested a Georgia man wanted on charges of murder and possession of a machine gun on Monday after he was allegedly found hiding out in Auburn. [RELATED: Firearm Thief from Topsham Pleads Guilty After Marshals Apprehend Him for Failing to Surrender for His Sentence…] “Crossing state lines does not grant escape—it only strengthens our resolve. The United States Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners will remain in pursuit. We will locate you, apprehend you, and return you to face justice. No fugitive is beyond our reach,” said District of Maine Chief Deputy Marshal Kevin Neal. On February…

Penobscot County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Charleston woman on Monday after she was allegedly found trying to conceal illegal drugs during a bail check following a prior drug arrest. [RELATED: Drug Raids Involving K-9 Units Lead to Seizure of Fentanyl, Firearms, and Over a Kilogram of Methamphetamines…] At approximately 1:45 p.m., Penobscot deputies conducted a routine proactive bail check on Lou Ann Smock, 67, of Charleston, at a Puddle Dock Road residence in Charleston. During the check, a Sheriff’s Department supervisor reportedly saw Smock attempting to conceal something or destroy evidence. The supervisor was able to successfully stop Smock from…

Police arrested a Bangor man on Sunday after he allegedly assaulted someone at a hotel connected to Bangor International Airport and threatened to use a firearm. [RELATED: Private Jet Flips during Takeoff at Bangor Airport with Eight Aboard as Winter Storm pounds Maine…] At approximately 3:44 a.m. on Sunday, the Bangor Police Department responded to reports from a hotel on Godfrey Blvd after employees reported that an argument in one of their hallways had escalated to threats of bodily harm and potential violence. Multiple officers responded to the hotel and discovered that the argument had moved into a hotel room.…

The Portland Police Department arrested a homeless man on Monday morning after he allegedly severely injured a security guard. [RELATED: Bangor Man Arrested After Chasing Woman With a Knife…] At approximately 3:50 a.m., police responded to reports of an assault at 1 City Center. Police arrived, and the victim was transported to Maine Medical Center for treatment. The alleged attack was captured on security cameras, and the police were able to use the footage to obtain an image and description of the suspect. Police began a search for the alleged attacker and eventually located him on Marginal Way at 5:21…

The Hancock Sheriff’s Department arrested a Deer Isle man on Sunday after he allegedly caused thousands of dollars in damage to the exterior of Stonington’s Burnt Cove Market. [RELATED: Homeless Bangor Man Arrested After Taking a Hammer to a Granite Pillar…] In the early morning, the Sheriff’s Department received reports of alleged vandalism, claiming that the suspect had damaged the storefront along with vehicles parked at the business. He then reportedly brandished a firearm before fleeing the scene. Hancock deputies and detectives responded to the scene to investigate. Over the course of the day, they interviewed witnesses and collected evidence.…

The Bangor Police Department arrested a man on Friday after he allegedly chased a woman with a knife after she received a protective order against him. [RELATED: Woman Arrested Following Bangor Stabbing Incident…] At approximately 5:39 p.m., police responded to reports from multiple callers that a man was inside a Summer Street office building threatening to murder people while wielding a knife. One caller reported that she had a protective order against the suspect, identified as Jeremy Trudeau, 35, of Bangor. She reported that Trudeau was waiting for her outside the office building. Witnesses allegedly told police that Trudeau chased…

MaineCare auditors attempted to recoup nearly $450,000 from the Somali-run Affinity Homecare, co-located with Rep. Yusuf Yusuf’s (D-Portland) shady Care for Everyone and a foreign money transfer station. According to records obtained by the Maine Wire via a Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) request, auditors with the Office of MaineCare Services could find no documentation showing that the services for which Affinity billed the taxpayer-funded welfare program actually took place. Affinity, according to Medicaid payment records obtained by The Maine Wire, received $1,157,503 in taxpayer-funded MaineCare payouts from 2020 to 2024. One of the multiple addresses listed for Affinity across…