Tuesday, May 22, 2012
By Erin Rhoda erhoda@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
SKOWHEGAN -- The man accused of robbing a Bingham pharmacy told a judge on Wednesday he wasn't feeling well and was recovering from being on medications.
James Stile, 55, Sangerville, appeared in Somerset County Superior Court via a teleconferencing system for a 10-minute hearing in which attorneys agreed to keep his bail at $500,000 surety or $250,000 cash.
Stile faces two felony charges of robbery for allegedly wielding a gun when he entered E.W. Moore & Sons Pharmacy on Monday, demanding prescription drugs and money.
He reportedly forced four employees and a customer to the floor and bound their hands during the holdup at the Main Street pharmacy.
Detective Lt. Carl Gottardi, with the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, said in a prepared statement that Stile allegedly wore a mask, ball cap and sunglasses during the robbery, reported at 5:28 p.m. Monday, before fleeing with cash and medication, Gottardi said. No one was injured.
Gottardi did not disclose how much cash or what type of medication was stolen or what type of gun was used during the robbery.
In court, Judge Peter Darvin asked Stile a routine question about whether his attorney had advised him of his rights.
Stile responded, "I'm thinking, sir. I'm a little confused about -- no, I don't have any questions. I'm not well today, sir."
Darvin asked him whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Stile said, "Currently, no. I'm detoxing from medications, sir."
He told Darvin he understood the charges against him, but "I don't understand why there's two."
One charge alleges Stile was armed with a gun during the robbery. The other alleges he used physical force. Both carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
After executing search warrants Tuesday, police found more than 150 marijuana plants and drug-related items at Stile's residence in Sangerville. The Piscataquis County District Attorney's Office will handle the case as it relates to the marijuana.
Police did not reveal what type of medication Stile allegedly took from the pharmacy. Darvin, at the request of District Attorney Evert Fowle, impounded the court affidavit that probably describes the robbery in detail.
Erin Rhoda -- 612-2368
erhoda@centralmaine.com
Tweet
Copyright ©2012 MaineToday Media, Inc.
Jobs
Cars
Real Estate
Deals
Maine Yellow Pages
Further Discussion
Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include: