Maine Activist Group Reports Bar Harbor Man Followed By ICE
Police Logs
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Side Street Cafe.
BAR HARBOR—A January 25 social media post stated that an ICE agent followed a young man home last week. However, a police department representative said Tuesday that this was the first he had heard of it and that the incident had not been reported to the local police department.
The post comes as President Donald Trump has called for illegal immigration crack downs, which have worried some residents on Mount Desert Island.
Bar Harbor and Mount Desert are both considered to be sanctuary communities.
In 2017, after a citizens’ petition, Mount Desert voters declared 101-59 that the town would be a “sanctuary community.” The non-binding resolution hoped to “protect the independence of our local law enforcement by refusing to require police or town employees to serve as enforcers of federal immigration law.”
It was the first town in Maine to do so.
That same year, Bar Harbor residents voted 351-62 to support declaring that town a sanctuary community.
CNN defines a sanctuary city as “a broad term applied to jurisdictions that have policies in place designed to limit cooperation with or involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions. Cities, counties, and some states have a range of informal policies as well as actual laws that qualify as ‘sanctuary’ positions.”
On a recent Instagram post, Project Relief Maine describes itself as “Black immigrant activists who have dedicated our lives to fighting for justice and equity even when it means risking our safety.”
In a message, Tuesday, the group confirmed that an individual had sent them an alert that an ICE vehicle had followed them and then the group informed the public as is their protocol. They have asked the man for images and other details to help bring awareness.
We’ve reached out to the regional ICE field office, which has not yet responded to requests for comment.
BAR HARBOR AND MOUNT DESERT POLICE LOGS
The following incidents occurred in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert last week according to the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department police logs, which is publicly released information.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Officer Troy Stanwood responded to a report of a malfunctioning traffic light in Bar Harbor. No further information or disposition was given.
Eric Benson, 74, of Southwest Harbor was driving a 2016 Peterbilt 337 north on Hall Quarry Road in Mount Desert when a deer entered the road. Benson swerved to miss the deer and heavy snow on the side of the road pulled the truck into the ditch and it struck a utility pole. There was no reported injury. The truck sustained damage to the front passenger corner and the utility pole was damaged.
Officer Amie Torrey responded to a report of a possible burglary in Otter Creek. It turned out to be a contractor and not a burglar.
Officer Stanwood took a report of a real estate fraud scheme in Bar Harbor.
Officer Torrey received information in Mount Desert regarding a woman who is possibly committing fraud.
Sgt. Jerrod Hardy provided traffic control for a broken-down vehicle on Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor until a tow truck could arrive.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Tozier helped someone cope with a metal health diagnosis in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg spoke with a Bar Harbor resident regarding their plan to have a protest.
Officer Zack Kline checked on the well-being of a Bar Harbor resident who has mental health issues and was possibly driving while impaired. Officer Kline could not see any signs of impairment and determined that the person was all set.
Officer Kline performed a requested well-being check on someone in Bar Harbor and found them to be fine.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Officer Kaleb Payson assisted the Mount Desert ambulance with a medical call in Bar Harbor.
MHL Tozier spoke with a Bar Harbor resident about distressing interactions with their neighbor.
Officer Caleb Mora checked on an illegally parked vehicle in Bar Harbor and determined that it was not preventing the flow of traffic.
Officer Tim Frost requested assistance from local agencies. The assistance was for the Hancock County Drug Treatment Program.
Sgt. Sundberg performed a keep the peace while people removed property from a Mount Desert business.
Lt. Kevin Edgecomb signed up a Bar Harbor resident for the department’s Good Morning Program.
Officer Liam Harrington performed a well-being check on a Mount Desert resident. No further information or disposition was given.
A Bar Harbor resident reported ongoing harassment by a neighbor and Officer Mora reminded the alleged offending neighbor of a cease harassment notice that was in effect from prior involvements.
Officer Harrington responded to a suspicious activity complaint in Mount Desert. No further information or disposition was given.
Six minutes after having received a motor vehicle complaint, the Bar Harbor Police Department received a crash detection notification and a following 911 call confirming an accident on the Indian Point Road in Bar Harbor. James Neel, 48, of Bar Harbor, was driving a 2022 Nissan Rogue on the Indian Point Road when he allegedly drifted over the centerline on a curve, went off the roadway to the left, and struck a pole in the wood line. Neel was evaluated by medical personnel at the scene and then arrested for alleged operating under the influence. Neel was also summoned for alleged operating without a license. The vehicle was totaled.
Officer Harrington took a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert. No further information or disposition was given.
A Bar Harbor woman was taken to the hospital after a medical issue was reported.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Officer Stanwood responded to a motor vehicle complaint on the Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor but could not locate the offending vehicle.
Sgt. Chris Dickens requested extra traffic enforcement patrols on Route 102 in Town Hill.
Officer Torrey took a report of a window having been damaged in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Dickens requested extra traffic enforcement patrols on Route 3 in Bar Harbor.
Officer Shelby O’Neil arrested Karl Hallet, 59, of Bar Harbor, for alleged operating under the influence in Bar Harbor.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Officer Judson Cake summoned Shekena Aaron, 42, of Memphis, Tennessee, for alleged operating under the influence.
A Bar Harbor resident reported some information to Officer Ted Cake and asked that it just be documented.
Officer T. Cake assisted another agency.
Officer Torrey received information in Bar Harbor regarding a suspicious purchase.
Sgt. Dickens gave three stranded hikers a ride from Otter Cliffs Road in Bar Harbor.
Officer Nathan Formby assisted another agency in Bar Harbor.
Officer Formby is investigating a report of trespassing in Bar Harbor.
Officer Formby responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor but could not locate the vehicle.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Formby arrested Aiden Coombs, 21, of Southwest Harbor, for alleged operating under the influence and alleged violation of conditions of release. Coombs was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
MHL Tozier spoke with a transient person who is currently in southern Maine with chronic mental illness. MHL Tozier directed the person to services within the area that they are currently in.
Officer Justin Burnett arrested Sara Alley, no age given, of Bar Harbor, for allegedly violating her conditions of release and transported her to the Hancock County Jail.
Monday, January 27, 2025
Officer Burnett received information from an out of state agency regarding the mental well-being of someone in Bar Harbor.
Lt. Edgecomb assisted someone with finding a tow company in Mount Desert.
Officer Stanwood served a notice to appear to someone vacationing in Bar Harbor at the request of the New York State Police.
Officer Stanwood removed debris from Route 3 in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood is investigating a report of a vehicle passing a stopped school bus in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood took a report of a vehicle in Somesville playing loud music.
Following an investigation, Officer Stanwood summoned four people for alleged liquor and marijuana violations in Bar Harbor.
Brett Carr, 18, of Lamoine was summoned for transportation of liquor by a minor.
Callie Green, 18, of Bar Harbor, was summoned for alleged possession of a useable amount of marijuana.
Two juveniles were summoned for alleged possession of liquor by a minor.
The two adults were summoned and released and the two juveniles were summoned and released to their parents.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR AND TREMONT
The following incidents occurred in Southwest Harbor or Tremont last week according to the Southwest Harbor Police Department police log, which is publicly released information.
Monday, January 20, 2025
Sgt. Ryan Blakeney spoke with someone in Tremont who was dealing with some mental health issues.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Sgt. Blakeney responded to a burglar alarm at a business in Southwest Harbor. It was a false alarm set off by an employee.
A Southwest Harbor resident went to the Southwest Harbor Police Department because they wanted to document some information regarding an ongoing issue.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to a residential burglar alarm in Southwest Harbor. Sgt. Blakeney learned that the caretaker had not been able to get the alarm code in quickly enough.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
A Southwest Harbor resident went into the Southwest Harbor Police Department seeking assistance and was assisted. No further information or disposition was given.
Sgt. Blakeney handled a complaint by a Southwest Harbor resident that they had been the victim of an online scam.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Sgt. Blakeney responded to an open-door complaint in Tremont and checked the building.
Sgt. Blakeney took a complaint from a Southwest Harbor resident regarding people driving across their lawn and possibly drinking on the property.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Officer James Kamorski responded to an alarm at a Southwest Harbor business and discovered that it was a fire alarm. The Southwest Harbor Fire Department responded and determined that it was a false alarm.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Officer Kamorski received a report of an alarm going off at a Southwest Harbor residence. Contact was made with the homeowner by phone who advised that it was a false alarm.
Officer Kamorski responded to a burglar alarm at a Southwest Harbor business and found the building to be secure.
Officer Kamorski responded to a complaint of a loose dog near Main Street in Southwest Harbor but was unable to locate the dog.
After receiving a report of a domestic situation at a Southwest Harbor residence, Officer Kamorski and a Hancock County Deputy Sheriff responded. Both people involved in the incident were warned for disorderly conduct.
Officer Kamorski performed a well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident and found them to be okay.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
No reportable incidents.
STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASES
These are the Maine State Police press releases from the last few days. The Bar Harbor Story will include these each week though most (and sometimes all) do not occur on Mount Desert Island.
Maine Drug Enforcement Arrests Six In Sanford
SANFORD—For the past month, responding to citizen complaints and tips from community members, agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) York District Task Force and officers of the Sanford Police Department conducted an investigation into illegal drug trafficking from 8 York Street. During the investigation, agents and officers observed activity consistent with illegal drug trafficking as well as individuals trafficking illegal drugs being armed with firearms.
During the investigation a number of undercover purchases of fentanyl were made from John Leroy Gray who lives at the 8 York Street home.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Sanford Police executed a search warrant at 8 York Street in Sanford, a single-family home in order to effect the arrest of Gray for felony arrest warrants for drug trafficking.
Due to the seriousness of the drug trafficking charges, suspected firearms possession, and safety concerns for the neighborhood residents and officers, the Southern Maine Special Response Team assisted in tactically rendering the residence safe and secure for agents.
The Special Response Team encountered and detained seventeen people throughout the residence, including Gray who was arrested without incident.
All people encountered at the residence were identified and released at the scene with the exception of the six listed arrests who had outstanding arrest warrants. All arrests were transported to the York County Jail without incident.
John Leroy Gray 44, of Sanford, for aggravated trafficking in scheduled W drugs (Fentanyl), two Counts, class A. Bail was set at $25,000 cash.
Patrick Bachelor 48, of Sanford, for arrest warrant charging failing to appear in court. Bail was set at $100.
Katie Boyatsis 28, of Dover, New Hampshire, for arrest warrant charging possession of scheduled drugs, probation revocation. No bail.
Jessica Taylor 40, of Shapleigh, for three arrest warrants charging failing to appear in court, theft, violation of conditions release. Bail was set at $600.
Tyler Cann 32, of Sanford, for arrest warrant charging failure to appear in court. Bail to be set.
Marissa Tomarchio 28, of Sanford, for failing to appear in court. Bail was set at $250.
A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 40 grams of fentanyl, $1,800 in suspected drug proceeds, and additional evidence of illegal drug trafficking. Four realistic style pellet type handguns were located throughout the residence; however, no actual firearms were located.
Assisting agents in this investigation and search warrant were members of the Sanford Police Department, Sanford Fire/Rescue, Sanford Police Animal Control, York County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Safe Street Task Force, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Southern Maine Special Response Team, and City of Sanford Code Enforcement.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fire in Ellsworth
ELLSWORTH—On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 8:26 a.m., the Ellsworth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 50 Meadow View Lane in Ellsworth (Meadow View Apartments). Upon arrival, firefighters found a working fire at a multi-unit apartment building. One adult male with life threatening burns was transported to Ellsworth’s Northern Light Hospital and later transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Ellsworth Fire Department and their mutual aid departments made a quick knock down of the fire and then requested the State Fire Marshals Office to conduct an origin and cause investigation. A team of investigators responded and determined the fire was caused by careless disposal of smoking material.
At least four other people were displaced due to the fire. The fire caused significant damage to the room where the fire originated, as well as the roof system. Despite the damage the building is salvageable.
Assisting the Ellsworth Fire Department was Trenton, Lamoine, Mariaville, Orland, Southwest Harbor, and Mount Desert Fire Departments.
Maine Drug Enforcement Arrests Westbrook Man For Trafficking Fentanyl
WESTBROOK—In December 2024, agents from the Cumberland District Task Force of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) and officers of the Westbrook Police Department, received a number of complaints/tips regarding suspected illegal drug trafficking taking place at 43 Rochester Street in Westbrook. Agents observed activities consistent with illegal drug trafficking from the first-floor apartment of 43 Rochester Street at all hours of the day and night.
During the ongoing investigation, agents were able to conduct several undercover purchases of illegal drugs from Christopher Ciprian, 41, at his Rochester Street apartment.
Agents subsequently applied for and were granted an arrest warrant for Ciprian, as well as a search warrant for his apartment.
On January 23, at approximately 9:30 a.m., members of the Cumberland County Emergency Services Unit (ESU), a specially trained tactical team took Ciprian into custody without incident as he left his apartment. Due to a number of safety concerns identified during the investigation, to include the seriousness of the drug trafficking charges and Ciprian possibly being armed, the ESU was utilized to minimize the risk to Rochester Street residents and law enforcement personnel by tactically securing the apartment prior to agents conducting a search.
A search of Ciprian’s apartment resulted in the seizure of approximately 80 grams of cocaine, 30 grams of MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) more commonly known as Ecstasy, a loaded Glock 9mm handgun, and other evidence of illegal drug trafficking. Approximate value of the seized drugs is $12,000.
Ciprian was charged with trafficking in schedule W drugs (Fentanyl), two counts, class B and felony possession of schedule drugs (Fentanyl), two counts, class C. Bail was set at $10,000 cash.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges against Ciprian are expected.
Assisting agents in this investigation and search warrant were members of the Westbrook Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and Cumberland County ESU.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs like fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the State of Maine.
If you or someone you know suffers from substance, use disorder, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.
If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.
Fire Marshal’s Office Teams up with Dover Foxcroft Fire Department to Present Three Teenagers with Community Heroism Awards
DOVER-FOXCROFT—On January 1, 2025, at 1:44 a.m., a residential house fire was reported at 110 North Stagecoach Road in the Town of Atkinson. The structure, an 1800s farmhouse with an attached barn, was fully engulfed in flames when emergency responders arrived. The Fire Marshal's Office was called to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Due to the extent of the damage, the fire has been classified as undetermined, with multiple accidental electrical causes not ruled out.
Three local teenage boys are being hailed as heroes for discovering the fire and helping the homeowners escape. State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler remarked, “Had they not been in the right place at the right time, this could have been a much more tragic fire event.”
On Friday, January 24, 2025, members of the Dover Foxcroft Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO), and State Legislators gathered at Foxcroft Academy to recognize the actions of three young men who recently rescued two occupants from a house fire in Atkinson.
16-year-old Colby Simmons of Dover-Foxcroft, 15-year-old Kaleb Weymouth of Charleston, and 17-year-old Robert Weymouth of Charleston, all received awards after they spotted a large fire at a home on North Stagecoach Road in the Town of Atkinson on January 1, 2025.
They first banged on the doors of the residence. When no one answered, they entered a portion of the home not yet involved in fire, woke the occupants, alerted them of the emergency, and the helped them to safety. Additionally, the young men placed a 911 call alerting the authorities. Had they not been there, the occupants may not have escaped the ever-growing fire. The actions of these young men were heroic and deserving of recognition.
The plaque presented by FMO Sergeant John Wardwell and Dover Foxcroft Fire Chief Brian Gaudet reads, “Community Heroism Award. The Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office present (name) with this Community Heroism Award. The citizens of the State of Maine thank you for your selfless act on January 1, 2025, in saving two people from a house fire in the town of Atkinson.”
State Representative Chad Perkins also presented the young men with challenge coins and a commendation letter from the Maine Legislature.
It is important to note that fire is deadly, claiming the lives of many people every year. We do not intend to encourage people to place themselves in harm’s way. However, in specific and often rare instances, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will present Community Heroism Awards to those whose actions are deserving.
Group photo (L to R): Dover Foxcroft Fire Chief Brian Gaudet, FMO Investigator Stephen Garib, FMO Sgt. John Wardwell, State Rep. Chad Perkins, Colby Simmons, Kaleb Weymouth, Robert Weymouth, FMO Senior Investigator David Henderson, FMO Investigator Brian Crater, and Dover Foxcroft Assistant Fire Chief Eric Melia.
Maine State Police Investigates Discovery of Human Remains in Lewiston
LEWISTON—On Saturday afternoon, January 25, 2025, human remains were discovered in the Garcelon Bog located at the end of Russell Street in Lewiston. A nearby resident came across the remains and contacted authorities.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit South is assisting the Lewiston Police Department with the investigation. Also assisting on scene were MSP Evidence Response Technicians, Maine Game Wardens, and Lewiston Public Works.
The remains have been transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for identification and further examination. Initial findings indicate that the remains have been there for an extended period of time, and there is no danger to the public.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Maine Drug Enforcement and Lewiston Police Department Serve High Risk Warrant
LEWISTON—The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Lewiston Police served a “high risk” search warrant at a residence in Lewiston related to drug trafficking and recent firearm incidents.
For the past month agents from the MDEA Western District Task Force and members of the Lewiston Police Department have been investigating suspected illegal drug trafficking from 100 College Street, Apartment 4.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Lewiston Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle leaving 100 College Street. During the traffic stop, one of the four occupants fled from the police, throwing a firearm as he fled. The suspect got away but has been identified. The suspect’s identity is not being released at this time. The firearm was recovered and was reported as stolen from a Lewiston residence in 2024.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, January 26, 2025, Lewiston police responded to 100 College Street for a report of gun fire. Officers discovered bullet holes entering several apartments at 100 College Street to include Apartment 4. Firearm related evidence was also seized from outside of the building. No one was injured.
Based on the increased violence and safety of the neighborhood residence, agents secured a search warrant for Apartment 4 at 100 College Street. For the safety of officers, tenants and neighbors of 100 College Street, the search warrant execution was deemed “high risk”. The Maine State Police Tactical Team assisted by conducting the initial securing of the apartment, rendering it safe for the search. Eight people ranging between the ages of 15 to 19 years old were located and detained from within the apartment.
A search of the apartment resulted in the seizure of over three pounds of marijuana, approximately $3,400 in suspected drug proceeds, and additional evidence of illegal drug trafficking. Evidence associated with firearms to include various calibers of ammunition, magazines, and other firearm related items were also seized.
Additionally, it was revealed that in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, an unknown person(s) shot at 100 College Street, where bullets entered an apartment living room. A bullet was recovered from the apartment as evidence. This shooting incident was not initially reported to police when it occurred.
All eight people detained were interviewed and released. The investigation is ongoing by MDEA and Lewiston police and numerous charges are anticipated.
Assisting agents in this ongoing investigation and search warrant were members of the Lewiston Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and the Maine State Police.
If you or someone you know has information regarding these incidents or any other incidents in your community, please contact MDEA through the Tip411 line below or text Lewiston Police Department at, LEWISTONPD, 847411.
The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs like fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the State of Maine.
If you or someone you know suffers from substance, use disorder, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.
If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.
Robbery in Corinth Leads to Pursuit and Arrests
CORINTH—On Monday, January 27, 2025, at approximately 3:57 p.m., an elderly female called 911 to report a robbery at her home on McCard Road in Corinth. A man, later identified as 56-year-old Gary Roshto, of Charleston, burst into her residence, pushed her to the floor, took her jewelry, then left in a dark colored car.
The victim, who did not know Roshto and was not injured, managed to get the vehicle’s license plate number which was relayed to all the units heading to the scene. A Fire Marshal investigator spotted the vehicle heading north on Rt. 15 in Corinth and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle failed to stop, leading to a pursuit through the towns of Charleston and Atkinson. The pursuit concluded when the vehicle crashed at the intersection of Range Road and E. Dover Road in Dover Foxcroft.
Two men got out of the vehicle and fled into the woods while a woman remained in the vehicle with injuries. The Dover Foxcroft Police Department responded to assist along with the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office. The two men, Roshto and 35-year-old Kevin Bowley, of Lagrange, were located a short time later.
Roshto was transported to the Penobscot County Jail and charged with robbery and eluding. Bowley was summonsed for Robbery before being transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The female in the vehicle, 52-year-old Cynthia Williams, of Milo, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and will be summoned at a later date. The stolen jewelry was recovered from the vehicle. The Maine State Police would like to thank all of the agencies involved; thanks to their teamwork everyone responsible is now in custody.
HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
The following are the public releases from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Each image can be clicked on and expanded.
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here (about how you can give) or here (a direct link), which is the same as the button below.
If you’d like to sponsor the Bar Harbor Story, you can! Learn more here.