CARIBOU, Maine — A jury on Tuesday found a Mars Hill man guilty on multiple counts stemming from a 2011 two-vehicle accident that killed Nathan York, 51, of Medway, according to information released early Friday morning by Trooper Shawn Whalen of the Maine State Police.
William Barton, 51, was convicted in Caribou Superior Court of two counts of aggravated operating under the influence causing death and one count of aggravated operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury.
The jury deadlocked on the charge of 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 was traveling northbound when his 2001 Chrysler wagon collided head-on with a 2010 Ford pickup driven by Barton.
York’s father, Nathan York, a passenger in the wagon, died at the scene.
Herb Young, 53, 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 released on a $30,000 unsecured bond and was indicted by a grand jury six months after the crash.
This past April, Barton was found in possession of marijuana, which was a violation of his bail conditions. As a result of the charges against him, he was not allowed to use or possess illegal substances.
Barton has prior convictions for possession of marijuana, violating condition of release, assault and speeding 30-plus mph more than posted speed.
He is scheduled for sentencing on his most recent conviction at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Caribou Superior Court.
Since when is driving under the influence an “accident”?
I agree,when you get into a vehicle under the influence of anything the word accident should be thrown out. I know the York family personally and they were robbed of a very good family man.He was hard working and a very good man to work around. He was raised by a very honorable and hard working family. The community lost a very good citizen. I hope the Judge gives this guy the maximum sentence.He couldn’t keep out of trouble while out on bail. The state roads will be a lot safer with him locked up for a very long time. R.I.P. Nate…..
I totally agree with you on this. The Yorks are a wonderful family. The Youngs are a wonderful family as well. This man chose to drink, chose to drive and caused terrible heartache for many people.
Billy was raised by wonderful parents. The choices he made were his and his alone and the consequences of them are unfolding. I’m with you with the maximum sentence as well. He absolutely did not heed what he was told to do. House arrest-he was out and about, and driving strung out on drugs.
Maximum Please.
from the sounds of some people though, they think the bangor policeman who was drunk like this guy was while on duty no less, seem to think it is ok as it is his first time. what if he would have killed someone like this guy did? listen he is an adult, yes people make mistakes but how would these posters feel if one their family or friends would have been killed by this cop in bangor?
sad…
Maybe he would have done better with a lawyer who wasn’t a convicted criminal himself?
I make my decision NOT to drink and drive so things like this doesn’t happen. He obviously didn’t … Even BUZZED driving can kill.