BELFAST, Maine — Drug-related charges — including three counts of Class A aggravated trafficking against a man who was turned in to police by a confidential informant — topped the Waldo County grand jury indictment list released Monday.
“It’s a big problem, no question about it,” said Bill Entwisle, the Waldo County assistant district attorney. “The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency is very active in doing their investigations and interceding where they can, trying to cut it off as best they can. Our job is to hold people accountable. It’s a huge public safety issue.”
According to an affidavit filed by the MDEA in Waldo County District Court, Michael Riley Baker, a 26-year-old from Belfast, came to police attention in February when Special Agent Walter Corey arrested an unnamed person and charged that individual with unlawful drug trafficking. The person decided to cooperate with law enforcement and became a confidential source known by the number 4586.
In March, Corey wrote in the affidavit, 4586 told police that he had purchased oxycodone pills multiple times from Baker, and that the informant had been present when Baker allegedly sold cocaine and heroin. Corey instructed 4586 to make contact with Baker and make arrangements to purchase oxycodone pills and cocaine. Another MDEA agent went with the confidential source to make the purchase on March 23.
Corey wrote that the duo met Baker at a home on Bonne Terre Road in Waldo, where the agent purchased three 30-milligram oxycodone pills for $150. Baker told the agent he didn’t have any cocaine at that time, Corey wrote. But Entwisle said that Baker did sell cocaine and more pills to a drug agent the following day.
Baker’s prior drug-related conviction elevated the charges to three counts of Class A aggravated trafficking, Entwisle said. Class A crimes are punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
“Law enforcement is out there doing its work,” Entwisle said. “We’re trying our best to follow.”
Lisa Whittier, Baker’s defense attorney, did not comment Monday on her client’s charges.
Also indicted were:
William Wallace Burrows, 22, Searsport, burglary, two counts of theft by unauthorized taking.
Audrey A. Cook, 35, Brooks, unlawful possession of oxycodone, violation of condition of release.
Wayne L. Curtis, Belfast, violation of sex offender registration, violation of condition of release.
Christopher L. Giggie, 23, Monroe, driving to endanger.
Kylee Gordon, 23, Belfast, unlawful trafficking of heroin, unlawful possession of heroin, unlawful possession of oxycodone.
Christopher D. Kelly, 34, Belfast, two counts burglary, two counts theft by unauthorized taking.
Pamela Lowing, 47, Thorndike, aggravated assault.
Dereck D. Maxcy, 34, Belfast, burglary, theft by unauthorized taking.
Robert Frank McKinney, Jr., 20, Belfast, two counts burglary, two counts theft by unauthorized taking.
Jared K. Whitaker, 19, Waldo, stealing oxycodone.
Shannon White, 37, Bangor, burglary, theft by unauthorized taking.
William Edward Harris, Jr., 36, Bangor, burglary, theft by unauthorized taking, violation of condition of release.
Dylin P.B. Knight, 22, Stockton Springs, aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation, criminal operating under the influence, concealed weapon.