Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

MANCHESTER

Juveniles serving 30 days in fire case

Most are also paying restitution

By Betty Adams badams@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA -- Four of five juveniles charged with arson in a fire that leveled an unoccupied Manchester home Feb. 21 are serving 30-day sentences at a youth correctional center in Charleston.

click image to enlarge

TOTAL LOSS: Fire investigators eight suspects in connection with an arson blaze on Scribner Hill Road in Manchester. Police said five of those who were questioned are linked to another arsonin Livermore Falls. The abandoned farmhouse in Manchester was destroyed by the fire.

Staff photo by Andy Molloy

Select images available for purchase in the
Maine Today Photo Store

The four pleaded guilty July 15 at Augusta District Court to charges of aggravated criminal mischief. In exchange for those pleas, charges of arson were dismissed, court records indicate.

A hearing for the fifth juvenile is set next month.

Sentences for the four varied slightly, but the unsuspended portion of all of them was 30 days in custody. All four are to undergo a psychological risk assessment and possible counseling. Conditions of probation ban them from possession of incendiary devices.

The defendants also are prohibited from contact with the owner of the Scribner Hill Road home, Lendall Dudley, and must pay restitution.

Manchester Fire Chief Allan Hewey estimated the damage at between $50,000 and $60,000 for the farmhouse and its contents. He said Dudley, who lived nearby, used the building to store antiques and other items. No one was injured in the fire.

Attorneys for the defendants negotiated the sentences individually with District Attorney Evert Fowle.

"The plea was worked out after a long negotiation," said Leonard Sharon, the attorney for Ryan Conant, one of the four juveniles. "Notwithstanding the kids viewed it as a prank, (Fowle) and the fire marshal viewed it as a serious offense."

Sharon also represents Jordan Conant, 19, of Winthrop, who still faces charges of arson and aggravated criminal mischief in the incident. His case remains pending in Kennebec County Superior Court; his next court appearance is set for September.

The sentences of the four juveniles serving 30-day sentences at Mountain View Youth Development Center:

* Ryan Conant, 17, of Winthrop was sentenced "for an indeterminate period to age 20," with all but 30 days suspended and two years' probation. He was given credit for 120 hours of community service already completed and ordered to pay $4,978, which he did July 15.

* Stephen J. Souther, 17, of Livermore was sentenced "for an indeterminate period of time to age 21," ordered to do 100 hours of public service by July 15, 2011, and to pay the $4,978 restitution within 24 months.

* Eric J. Duplessis, 17, of Winthrop was sentenced "for an indeterminate period of time to age 20," with all but 30 days suspended, ordered to do 100 hours of public service by July 15, 2011, and to pay the $4,978 restitution by July 23, 2010.

* Kameron K. Souza, 17, of Winthrop was sentenced "for an indeterminate period of time to age 20," with all but 30 days suspended, ordered to do 100 hours of public service by July 15, 2011, and to pay the $4,978 restitution through a case worker.

A motion filed with the court by Duplessis' attorney, Scott Q. Quigley, shows that State Fire Marshal's Office investigators had significant evidence, including video and audio recordings from J&S Oil and Cumberland Farms apparently showing the juveniles buying gasoline just prior to the incident. A cell phone found at the scene was linked to one of the suspects by the Maine Computer Crimes Task Force and Manchester firefighters.

"I thought it was a fair sentence," Sharon said of Ryan Conant's case. "It was a difficult case. I'm sure some of the parents think the sentences are too harsh, and Evert and the fire marshal don't think they're harsh enough."

Souther's attorney, Jason Jabar, said his client is happy the case is resolved.

"He's established that he's a good student. He's going to Maine Maritime Academy next year. He's a good citizen in the community," Jabar said Wednesday. "This is not characteristic of him at all. I think it was just a bunch of kids doing some stupid mischievous thing."

Souza's attorney, James Martemucci, supplied the court with 13 letters of support for Souza from teachers, neighbors, relatives and others. Those individuals said Souza possessed excellent qualities and would learn from his mistake.

A fifth juvenile charged, Ryan Castonguay, 17, of Fayette, is scheduled for a hearing 8:30 a.m. Aug. 19 in Augusta District Court.

Two of the three adults charged with arson in connection with the incident had been sentenced earlier in Kennebec County Superior Court:

* Christopher Minor, 19, of Winthrop pleaded guilty June 9 to reduced charges of criminal mischief and failure to control or report a dangerous fire. He was sentenced to 364 days in jail, with no time suspended, followed by one year administrative release. He paid $13,288 restitution -- one-third the amount of property damage, Fowle said -- and is currently serving his sentence.

* Chandler White, 18, of Livermore pleaded guilty July 1 to a felony charge of aggravated criminal mischief. He was placed on deferred disposition for 15 months. If he complies with the terms of that disposition, he'll be able to withdraw his plea and have the offense reduced or dismissed. At the hearing, he paid $13,288 -- his share of restitution. He also is required to work two summers at Pine Tree Camp and reside with his parents.

Investigators believe four of the juveniles and one adult are linked to a Feb. 20 fire that consumed an abandoned mobile home on Park Street off Route 133 in Livermore Falls. No charges have been filed in that incident.

Sharon said he is in discussions with the district attorney about a resolution to the case of Jordan Conant, who is currently working at Pine Tree Camp and has paid his share of the restitution, Sharon said.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com