MARS HILL, Maine — A Mars Hill man who allegedly was under the influence of alcohol when he caused a fatal car crash in September 2011 had his bail conditions revised this week after he recently was found in possession of marijuana.
An official at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton said Friday that William Barton, 51, of Mars Hill, has been released from the facility. Aroostook County District Attorney Todd Collins said a bail review hearing for Barton was held in Aroostook County Superior Court in Caribou in front of Justice E. Allen Hunter on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, Barton was found in possession of marijuana, which was a violation of his bail conditions. He was not allowed to use or possess illegal substances since he was arrested on charges of operating under the influence causing death, and operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury, along with possession of methamphetamine.
The fatal crash took place on Sept. 3, 2011, on U.S. Route 1 in Mars Hill.
Jerome York, 21, of Medway was northbound on the road when his 2001 Chrysler wagon collided head-on with a 2010 Ford pickup driven by Barton.
York’s father, 51-year-old Nathan York of Medway, a passenger in the wagon, died at the scene.
Herb Young, 52, another passenger, suffered significant injuries. He also resides in Mars Hill and is Jerome York’s uncle.
All of the occupants of both vehicles were wearing seat belts.
Jerome York and Barton escaped serious injury. Barton was indicted by the grand jury last month.
On Wednesday, Hunter granted Barton’s release on the bail violation on a $10,000 secured bond or $1,000 cash. He must adhere to round-the-clock house arrest with certain exceptions and must continue to submit to random search and testing, and he cannot use or possess alcohol or drugs.
Collins said his office had requested that Barton be held without bond until his trial in light of the new allegations.
When he was first charged, Barton was released on a $30,000 unsecured bond.
Barton has prior convictions for possession of marijuana, violating condition of release, assault and speeding 30-plus mph more than posted speed.
bad decision….
Turned him loose? Why?
Simple, because its MAINE
Not an excuse.
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From: Disqus
To: frostylobomerlin@yahoo.com
Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 3:04 AM
Subject: [bdn] Re: Driver charged in fatal Mars Hill crash out of jail after new charges filed against him
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JeffCol wrote, in response to frostylobomerlin:
Simple, because its MAINE
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Probably driving a new vehicle too. But these charges aren’t too bad right?? WRONG, this is a habitual offender who apparently can’t look after himself and follow rules…so he shouldn’t be out. Let’s turn Thane Ormsby and several other “fine upstanding citizens” loose with him..
why do maine judges,maine DAs,even the people who work at jails….favor criminals?
who said the DA “even the people who work at jails favor criminals”. Can you read? The article states ”
Collins said his office had requested that Barton be held without bond until his trial in light of the new allegations.” Blame the judge if you want to blame someone. Plus the cost of housing an innocent person (until proven guilty) is very very high. By the information in the article, Barton wasn’t even the cause of the accident….the young man was which is horrible his dad died and uncle was injured badly.
The article above states that Barton caused the accident.
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“MARS HILL, Maine — A Mars Hill man who allegedly was under the influence of alcohol when he caused a fatal car crash in September 2011 had his bail conditions revised this week after he recently was found in possession of marijuana.”
Ok…I totally read the article wrong. My mistake…
In the U.S. justice system, the only time a defendant alleged of a crime is not afforded an opportunity for bail is in murder cases, and even then, as you can see from the Trevor Martin case in Florida, there are exceptions. It’s certainly not because it’s “Maine”, or the judge, or “criminal favoritism”…. it’s the presumption of innocence within the Constitution. I’m not justifying this individual’s alleged behavior(s), but everyone is innocent until proven guilty….
UNACCEPTABLE!!!