February, 2010
Canadian Scam Hits Portland
Portland Police Detective Sergeant Dean Goodale wants to make people aware
of a new scam being reported by victims in Portland.
The first case was recorded at the end of last year. Elderly people are the
targets of phone calls, where someone claiming to be a relative asks them to
wire money in amounts in thousands of dollars, usually to a city in Canada.
The person making the call knows pertinent information about the family, and
sets a scenario of either just having had a car accident or being arrested,
saying they need the money to be sent out immediately. Several people in
Portland have complied with the requests.
According to Goodale, there isn’t much the Portland Police Department can do
to help these victims, since the money has been sent out of the country. But
police want to raise public awareness to make sure no others fall prey to the
scam.
-Marge Niblock
West End Barn Blows Over
in Storm
A dilapidated barn located between Brackett and Winter Street in the West End
blew over in winds reported to be up to 65 miles per hour at around midnight
on February 25th. The barn, believed to be the last standing barn in the West
End, had been undergoing repairs, and a total collapse appears to have been
prevented by the building next to the barn, which is now propping it up
Ethics Panel: Hinck Has No
Conflict
The Commission on Government Ethics and Elections Practises ruled on
February 26th that West End State Representative Jon Hinck does not have a
conflict of interest in his position as co-Chair of the Legislature's Utilities and
Energy Committee. Hinck had requested a ruling on the matter from the
Commission.
Hinck is married to Juliet Browne, a partner at Verrill Dana, who is Chair of
the firm's Environmental Law Group, and Co-chair of the Energy Group. She
represents individuals, businesses and environmental groups. Browne was a
member of the Governor’s Wind Energy Task Force, which developed
legislation specific to regulating wind power development. Verrill Dana’s
Energy Group has successfully permitted more than 270 MW of wind power,
and has represented nearly every grid scale wind energy facility in the state.
Two bills currently in the Legislature deal with wind power, and the Utilities
and Energy Committee would be dealing with both of them.
POLICE ARREST SECOND
SUSPECT IN MULONGO
MURDER
Portland police have arrested Moses Okot, 21, in connection with the February
10th shooting death of Serge Mulongo. Mulongo was gunned down at about
11PM on a porch at a building at Weymouth Street and Park Avenue. Police
have charged Daudoit Butsitsi, 24, with the shooting.
Okot is the brother of David Okot, who was fatally shot by police in April in
what was ruled a justifiable use of deadly force by the State Attorney General's
office. That incident took place just a block away from the Mulongo murder.
This Cop Loves the West End
Officer Robert Pelletier was injured the evening of July 12, 2009, after
responding to a call reporting a burglary in progress at 54 Grant Street. Three
officers arrived at the scene, and two of them confronted a suspect on the
third floor, while Pelletier was on the first floor dealing with a large, combative
man who also was a suspect, and was actively engaged in throwing punches.
The suspect on the third floor, Paul Hooper, 28, began running down the
steps, because he knew there were outstanding warrants for his arrest. He
collided with Pelletier on the way down, and when the officer stepped down
hard to the first-floor landing from the third step up, he heard the awful sound
of his leg and knee joint breaking. Hooper fled into the darkness.
The search for Hooper involved the Gorham Police Department and the
Southern Maine Violent Crimes Task Force. Hooper was arrested the next day
at the Gorham home of his grandmother, Valerie Hooper, 71. She was also
placed under arrest and was charged with hindering apprehension. Charges
against Hooper for the previous evening’s incident included assault on a police
officer, two counts of assault, and refusal to submit to arrest.
Hooper is now in jail, after entering a guilty plea that combined all of his cases.
Officer Pelletier had to undergo surgery and a lot of rehab, but he returned to
work exactly six months later, on January 12th of this year.
Pelletier says that if he’d been equipped with a Taser, he would have been able
to
prevent the man from fleeing. He has one now, which he has yet to use. Police
felt that this injury could have been prevented and the confrontation would
have been ended immediately if an officer at the scene had been equipped with
a Taser. At that time, police were trying to get approval from City Council for
a trial period of use, which was granted.
The bright yellow Taser on many officers’ gun belts is now a common sight in
Portland. The department has ten of them now, and another ten will soon be
ordered. Fifty people have been trained in their use so far, and they are
available on a first-come first-served basis when people report in for duty on
their various shifts.
Sergeant Scott Pelletier, who is Robert’s brother, became the first Portland
officer to deploy the weapon, which occurred when a man threatening suicide
was prevented from doing so. Their father, Joe, also served as a Portland
police officer, and retired in 1988, the year Robert joined the force. A photo of
the three uniformed Pelletiers hangs in the second-floor hallway outside of the
auditorium at police headquarters.
Robert Pelletier said “I couldn’t wait to get back to duty.” He’s worked a car
in the city’s West End for 17 years, and says he loves it. “I feel comfortable. I
know everybody and everybody knows me.” This is an important aspect of
police work because it involves trust from both sides.
The fact that Pelletier trusted someone enough to give out his personal cell
phone number helped him make a big arrest. Pelletier had taken a few reports
about bad $20 bills being passed. Several stores on the West End had received
them: Joe’s Smoke Shop; Rite Aid; 7-Eleven. Pelletier spoke to other
shopkeepers to make them aware of what was going on, and gave them the
descriptions of the man and woman who had been passing the counterfeit
money. The two came into the 518 Forest Avenue Mobil station, and had gone
around the convenience store choosing items they were planning to purchase.
A city inspector was in the store at the time, and his walkie-talkie type of radio
went off. This alarmed the couple, causing them to put everything down and
they quickly walked out.
Steve Martin, the manager, immediately called Pelletier’s cell phone, and the
two suspects were found walking on Forest Avenue. They were from
Brooklyn, New York, and they both had counterfeit bills up in their coat
sleeves.
The Secret Service also got involved in the case because they are responsible
for investigating reports of counterfeit money. Aside from their role of
protection, their mission is also “to safeguard the nation’s financial
infrastructure and payment systems.” Estimates from the U.S. Secret Service
suggest that in the United States approximately $40 million is confiscated
yearly.
Pelletier received a commendation of merit on January 22nd, at the fourth
annual Award Breakfast, held at the Eastland Park Hotel, for the apprehension
of the people involved in the counterfeit ring, and Martin, the Mobil store
manager, was given a citizen commendation for his role in the event.
-Marge Niblock
Deering HS Principal Kunin Resigns
Deering High School Principal Kenneth Kunin has submitted his resignation,
effective at the end of the school year. Kunin has served nearly five years at
the helm of Portland’s largest high school, and the previous six years as
principal of Reiche Community School.
A search committee will be appointed to help select a new principal for
Deering. Parents, students, staff and community members who would like to
serve on the committee are encouraged to contact Assistant Superintendent Jill
Blackwood at blackj@portlandschools.org or by calling 874-8100.
Kunin worked as a social service agency executive, college instructor, special
education teacher, camp director, juggler and children’s performer before
joining the Portland Public Schools. He served as Reiche’s principal from
1998 to 2004. After one year as Deering’s interim principal, he was appointed
to the permanent position in 2006.
Cops Get Lucky on Valentine’s Day
The arrest of a man charged with the recent robbery of a Portland bank was
the result the alertness of some local cops - and a bit of good luck.
On February 14th, three members of Portland’s Police Department were at a
local hotel looking for a man with an outstanding warrant against him. Officers
Kevin Haley, Amie Lynn Rapa, and Tim Farriss located that person and were
escorting him to the Cumberland County Jail when fate presented them with a
bonus.
Jason Weymouth, 34, of Portland, stepped off the elevator and inadvertently
brushed into Officer Haley, apologized, and then said "How are you doing?"
As he walked by, the officers noticed a tattoo of the ace of spades on the
Weymouth’s neck. They knew the person suspected of robbing the Maine
Bank & Trust at 465 Congress Street early in the morning of February 12th
was described as having such a tattoo.
Mr. Weymouth was detained before being turned over to detectives. He said to
officers: "I don’t know what you guys are bothering me for. I just got out of
prison."
It was also discovered that while Weymouth had been "hanging out" at another
local hotel, he had given a tip of several hundred dollars - all in one dollar bills -
to a worker there.
The charges against Weymouth are robbery and possession of schedule drugs,
which were detected during the arrest transport process. He is being held at
the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of bail.
-Marge Niblock
ALLEGED BANK ROBBER CAUGHT
Today (12/14/10) at approximately 11 AM, the Portland Police Department,
working with the Southern Maine Violent Crime Task Force, arrested Jason
Weymouth (34 years old) of Portland, for the bank robbery that occurred on
Friday at the Maine Bank and Trust located at 465 Congress Street.
Mr. Weymouth was located at a local hotel and arrested without incident and
transported to the Cumberland County Jail and charged with Robbery. Mr.
Weymouth was also charged with possession of schedule drugs, due to
location/detection being made during the arrest transport process.
Mr. Weymouth is being held at the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of bail.
On Friday, February 12th at approximately 9:10 AM, there was a robbery at
the Maine Bank & Trust located at 465 Congress Street. The suspect entered
the bank then left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. He was last
seen
fleeing on foot away from the building on Congress Street.
The suspect was described as a white male, approx. 5'9"- 5'10" in height,
weighing approximately 150-160 lbs., in his mid 30's, clean shaven with
black hair. He was wearing a hooded camouflage jacket with blue jeans and
did display a weapon. No one was injured during the incident.
Portland WinteRush Events Canceled
Due to Lack of Snow
PolarBear 5K and Freezin for a Reason to go ahead as scheduled
The City of Portland announced the cancellation of the majority of Portland
WinteRush events scheduled for this Saturday, February 13th. The PolarBear
5K, sponsored by Tri-Maine and Freezin for a Reason, Maine Polar Plunge to
benefit Camp Sunshine, will still go ahead as planned. All other events,
however, have been canceled due to the lack of snow.
Should the weather cooperate in the next two months and provide a solid snow
base, Portland WinteRush organizers will hold a smaller outdoor festival with
many of the same activities. Information will be updated at www.
portlandwinterush.com
Portland Greens to Hold Caucus
Portland Green Independents will hold a caucus on Saturday, February 13th at
11:a.m. at Portland City Hall, At the caucus, party members will discuss
candidates, platform issues, voter registration, and fundraising. According to
new figures released by the Secretary of State’s Office, the number of
registered Greens in Portland has increased. There are now over 2,600
registered party members in Maine’s largest city.
“The caucus is a great opportunity for Green Independents to discuss platform
ideas and learn about upcoming elections," said West End City Councilor David
Marshall, who chairs the Portland Greens. " We are seeking candidates for this
year's elections, including candidates for the State Legislature and City
Council. Come share your ideas with us.”
The caucus is open to all registered Green Independents. Staff from the City
Clerk’s Office will also be attending the event. Anyone who is not registered as
a Green Independent may do so at the caucus and participate. For more
information, email PortlandGreens@gmail.com or call (207) 409-6617.
Suspect Charged with
Mulongo Murder
At approximately 3PM on Friday, February 12th, Portland detectives arrested
Daudoit Butsitsi, 24, and charged him with the murder of Serge Mulongo.
The arrest took place at the Portland Police Department, following numerous
interviews and review of evidence over the time subsequent to the incident.
The investigation was coordinated with the Attorney General's office.
The arraignment of Mr. Butsitsi is scheduled to take place on Tuesday
at the Cumberland County Court House at 10:30 am. Mr. Butsitsi is currently
being held at the Cumberland County Jail without bail.
Police received several 911calls reporting multiple shots being heard in the area
of Park Ave and Weymouth Street at 11:15 PM on February 10th. Upon
arrival, officers found Mulongo on the Weymouth Street side porch and
doorway area of 218 Park Ave. Medcu also responded and pronounced the
victim dead at the scene due to injuries sustained.
Police say that the victim had been at a party at 218 Park Ave prior to the
incident. Police reported that two black males wearing dark clothing were
seen fleeing the area following the shots being heard.
Mayor: JFK Project Still in Early
Stages
Portland Mayor Nick Mavodones says that the plan to bring the aircraft carrier
USS JFK to Portland Harbor is still in its earliest stages of development, and it
would take a "very good" plan to bring the 1,000-foot-long ship to the city.
Mavodones made his remarks to about 40 people gathered at the Parkside
Community Center on February 11th, at the re-scheduled annual meeting with
City staff members and City officials. Mavodones said that there were still "a
huge number of questions to be answered" about the project, which he called a
"daunting task." Several people at the meeting criticized the idea, saying that
people come to Portland to see the ocean and the islands - not a battleship.
The meeting was held just a few blocks from where twenty-four year old
Serge Mulongo was shot and killed less than twenty-four hours earlier.
However, talk of crime and police activity was limited to neighbors praising the
police' quick response to the shooting, and the police department's overall
performance. Lieutent Gary Rogers reassured District 2 residents that the
department's Detective Division was working on solving the crime, but the
investigation was still in its very early stages. (Portland police arrested a
suspect the next day.)
Traffic lights and signage were a hot topic at the meeting. Problem areas that
were discussed included Woodfords Corners, the Connector Road at the
Veterans' Bridge, and Cumberland Avenue. Public Services Director Mike
Bobinsky said that they haven't solved the Connector problem yet, but it is on
the City's list and will be addressed with the beginning of construction of the
new Veterans' Bridge.
Among other topics that were touched on were ice skating at Deering Oaks
Pond, the construction barricades in front of the Portland Public Library, the
City's housing situation, and the possible return of the Cat ferry service to
Nova Scotia.
Police/MCLU Differ on Sex
Offender Boundaries
The Portland Police Department would like the Portland City Council to enact
an ordinance that would prohibit convicted sex offenders from living near
schools or other places where children congregate.
However, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, probation officers, and social
service agencies say that such an ordinance would be counter- productive,
making it more difficult to keep track of - and provide support for - offenders
who are on probation.
The MCLU says that such ordinances do not work, and give people a false
sense of security. The police say an ordinance would give them enforcement
power that they do not have now in dealing with the majority of registered sex
offenders who are not on probation and don't have direct supervision.
The two sides made their cases to the Council's Public Safety Committee on
February 9th. The ordinance was proposed by Councilor Dory Waxman, who
said that she was contacted by parents who were concerned after learning that
a number of sex offenders live in the vicinity of Portland High School.
Everyone agreed that increased public education was needed to deal effectively
with the issue.
Rare Print Taken in Downtown
Art Theft
Three pieces of art, two original drawings by Jacques Onfroy de Breville, and
a woodcut by German Expressionist Conrad Felixmüller, were taken on the
afternoon of February 4th from Edward T. Pollack’s Forest Avenue gallery, A
Fine Thing, in downtown Portland.
The value of the three stolen pieces is almost $7,500. The woodcut is worth
$5,500, and is one of an edition of about ten, done in 1919. It’s considered to
be very rare and is in very good condition. The delicate line drawings by de
Breville were priced at $1,875 for the pair.
The artist was a well-known illustrator of books, many of them pertaining to
French history and Napoleon. He was born in 1858 and died in 1931, and
marks his work the letters “JOB” within a circle.
Pollack has owned the drawings for several years. He has had a gallery on
Forest Avenue for the past three years. The bins containing matted prints were
all in a small room to the rear of the main gallery area. Pollack was looking for
something else in the bins, when he discovered empty mats and realized the
prints had been removed.
Pollack stated “In the 1960s I began to collect prints and then I started buying
and selling books. For the past ten years I’ve been heavily into the dealing of
prints.” After operating as a private dealer for many years, Pollack says he
enjoys the gallery business. The gallery has a wide variety of excellent prints
by well-known artists represented in its collection. The caliber of work is equal
to what would be found in a museum.The shock of the theft has caused
Pollack to consider installing video cameras in his gallery.
Detectives working on the case say it is still under investigation. Detective
Sergeant Dean Goodale said: “We’d like very much to get the artwork back to
the owner.”
-Marge Niblock
Man Arrested for DUI with
Toddler in Car
Portland police arrested a Biddeford man on February 3rd, saying he had been
drinking and driving with his four-year-old son as a passenger.
At about 1:30 PM, an off-duty Wells police officer was on I-295 behind a car
that was driving erratically. He first noticed the vehicle in Scarborough.
He notified Portland police and continued to follow it. When the car reached
the city, it was "hitting curbs and snowbanks," according to the off-duty
policeman.
When the car was met by Portland police on Fessenden Street, near the USM
campus, David K. Bowen, 40, exited the vehicle along with son, who is four-
and-a-half years old.
Officer Joseph Ingegneri conducted a field sobriety test that showed Bowen’s
blood-alcohol level was over the legal limit. Bowen was placed under arrest
and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and operating under the
influence.
-Marge Niblock
Police Looking into Old Port
"Attack"
Alleged Victim Never Said He Was Attacked
Portland police are investigating an incident in the Old Port on Saturday night
that was described by a local newspaper as an "attack" on a 24-year-old
Portland man.
A story in the Portland Daily Sun alleging an attack in the Old Port last
weekend used words like "beating" and "assault." The victim, 24-year-old
Najmeldin Arbab, is cooperating with police, but his version of whatever
occurred in the early morning hours on Saturday, January 30th, does not
coincide with the story’s description.
Police were mystified when called by a reporter on February 1st seeking
information on the incident. They had nothing in their logs that bore any
resemblance to what they were being told about the "attack" and wuat the
story described as the "stunned" Sudanese community.
Police were shocked to see the front page article that hit the stands Tuesday,
February 2nd, because they knew nothing about such a violent incident. Arbab
has told police he’d had "a couple of beers," he was alone, and walking to his
car. The next thing he remembers is being on the ground and being transported
to Maine Medical Center by MEDCU. He said he doesn’t know what happened
to cause him to be on the ground.
The police investigation has disclosed that a 911 call was made around 1:20
AM requesting assistance for what was characterized as a possible overdose.
The caller would not give a name, and police responded to what was posted as
a medical call.
The responding officer arrived at the scene and summoned MEDCU, even
though Arbab said he didn’t want medical treatment. Police stayed with him
until he was on his way to the hospital. There was no indication of an assault
at that point and Arbab never stated he had been attacked.
Detectives who interviewed Arbab at the hospital on February 2nd reported
that he was awake, lucid, and communicating with them.
Police are contacting area businesses to check any footage that may be
contained on their video cameras from that night.
-Marge Niblock
Wrong Way Driver Snarls Rush
Hour Traffic
A driver going the wrong way down State Street at about 5:30 PM on
February 1st caused a three-car accident in the intersection of State Street and
Park Avenue. Residents reported a loud crash, however, police say there were
no serious injuries in the Monday evening mishap.
City Drops Plan for West End Parking
Restrictions
Several unrestricted parking areas in the West End are going to remain that
way. The City's Department of Public Services was considering the
imposition of two-hour, 9am to 5pm, parking restrictions on Spruce Street and
Clark Street, from Pine Street to Spring Street. However, about a dozen
neighborhood residents notified West End City Councilor David Marshall that
they would like the parking to remain as it is.
Residents of the area are able to obtain a free residential parking sticker. This
sticker, displayed on the vehicle's rear windshield, exempts their vehicles from
time limit restrictions.
Barkley to Run for Legislature
from Parkside
Jill Barkley has announced that she will run for the Maine State Legislature
from District 119, representing Parkside, Bayside, and Downtown Portland.
The seat is currently held by Representative Herb Adams, who is in his fourth
and final term.
Barkley, 28, is a lesbian feminist activist working within the domestic violence
movement, and is an organizer of the Portland Dyke March. She was an active
supporter of the recent unsuccessful 'No on 1' campaign, in which Maine's
marriage equality law was overturned.
She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a
Master's of Public Administration in the Program on Domestic Violence at the
University of Colorado-Denver.
Public Invited to Give Input on
Martin Luther King Memorial
Two public forums will be held in February to discuss the creation of the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, located at the Bayside Trail. The forums
will serve as the public’s opportunity to help shape the thematic content of a
permanent commemoration honoring the life and achievements of the civil
rights leader.
The Portland City Council created the Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force in
April, 2008, and charged it with identifying an appropriate location for a
memorial, and establishing guiding principles for the commemoration,
including connecting Dr. King's belief and legacy to the daily life of the city,
and conveying his message of international peace and fundamental fairness to
generations to come.
For more information about the forums or the commission, visit www.
mlkportlandmaine.org or contact mlkcommission@portlandmaine.gov via email.
Community Forum I
Thursday, February 11, 2010, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Maine Historical Society,
489 Congress Street
Community Forum II
Thursday, February 25, 2010, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Shaarey Tphiloh
Synagogue, 76 Noyes Street
Canadian Scam Hits Portland
Portland Police Detective Sergeant Dean Goodale wants to make people aware
of a new scam being reported by victims in Portland.
The first case was recorded at the end of last year. Elderly people are the
targets of phone calls, where someone claiming to be a relative asks them to
wire money in amounts in thousands of dollars, usually to a city in Canada.
The person making the call knows pertinent information about the family, and
sets a scenario of either just having had a car accident or being arrested,
saying they need the money to be sent out immediately. Several people in
Portland have complied with the requests.
According to Goodale, there isn’t much the Portland Police Department can do
to help these victims, since the money has been sent out of the country. But
police want to raise public awareness to make sure no others fall prey to the
scam.
-Marge Niblock
West End Barn Blows Over
in Storm
A dilapidated barn located between Brackett and Winter Street in the West End
blew over in winds reported to be up to 65 miles per hour at around midnight
on February 25th. The barn, believed to be the last standing barn in the West
End, had been undergoing repairs, and a total collapse appears to have been
prevented by the building next to the barn, which is now propping it up
Ethics Panel: Hinck Has No
Conflict
The Commission on Government Ethics and Elections Practises ruled on
February 26th that West End State Representative Jon Hinck does not have a
conflict of interest in his position as co-Chair of the Legislature's Utilities and
Energy Committee. Hinck had requested a ruling on the matter from the
Commission.
Hinck is married to Juliet Browne, a partner at Verrill Dana, who is Chair of
the firm's Environmental Law Group, and Co-chair of the Energy Group. She
represents individuals, businesses and environmental groups. Browne was a
member of the Governor’s Wind Energy Task Force, which developed
legislation specific to regulating wind power development. Verrill Dana’s
Energy Group has successfully permitted more than 270 MW of wind power,
and has represented nearly every grid scale wind energy facility in the state.
Two bills currently in the Legislature deal with wind power, and the Utilities
and Energy Committee would be dealing with both of them.
POLICE ARREST SECOND
SUSPECT IN MULONGO
MURDER
Portland police have arrested Moses Okot, 21, in connection with the February
10th shooting death of Serge Mulongo. Mulongo was gunned down at about
11PM on a porch at a building at Weymouth Street and Park Avenue. Police
have charged Daudoit Butsitsi, 24, with the shooting.
Okot is the brother of David Okot, who was fatally shot by police in April in
what was ruled a justifiable use of deadly force by the State Attorney General's
office. That incident took place just a block away from the Mulongo murder.
This Cop Loves the West End
Officer Robert Pelletier was injured the evening of July 12, 2009, after
responding to a call reporting a burglary in progress at 54 Grant Street. Three
officers arrived at the scene, and two of them confronted a suspect on the
third floor, while Pelletier was on the first floor dealing with a large, combative
man who also was a suspect, and was actively engaged in throwing punches.
The suspect on the third floor, Paul Hooper, 28, began running down the
steps, because he knew there were outstanding warrants for his arrest. He
collided with Pelletier on the way down, and when the officer stepped down
hard to the first-floor landing from the third step up, he heard the awful sound
of his leg and knee joint breaking. Hooper fled into the darkness.
The search for Hooper involved the Gorham Police Department and the
Southern Maine Violent Crimes Task Force. Hooper was arrested the next day
at the Gorham home of his grandmother, Valerie Hooper, 71. She was also
placed under arrest and was charged with hindering apprehension. Charges
against Hooper for the previous evening’s incident included assault on a police
officer, two counts of assault, and refusal to submit to arrest.
Hooper is now in jail, after entering a guilty plea that combined all of his cases.
Officer Pelletier had to undergo surgery and a lot of rehab, but he returned to
work exactly six months later, on January 12th of this year.
Pelletier says that if he’d been equipped with a Taser, he would have been able
to
prevent the man from fleeing. He has one now, which he has yet to use. Police
felt that this injury could have been prevented and the confrontation would
have been ended immediately if an officer at the scene had been equipped with
a Taser. At that time, police were trying to get approval from City Council for
a trial period of use, which was granted.
The bright yellow Taser on many officers’ gun belts is now a common sight in
Portland. The department has ten of them now, and another ten will soon be
ordered. Fifty people have been trained in their use so far, and they are
available on a first-come first-served basis when people report in for duty on
their various shifts.
Sergeant Scott Pelletier, who is Robert’s brother, became the first Portland
officer to deploy the weapon, which occurred when a man threatening suicide
was prevented from doing so. Their father, Joe, also served as a Portland
police officer, and retired in 1988, the year Robert joined the force. A photo of
the three uniformed Pelletiers hangs in the second-floor hallway outside of the
auditorium at police headquarters.
Robert Pelletier said “I couldn’t wait to get back to duty.” He’s worked a car
in the city’s West End for 17 years, and says he loves it. “I feel comfortable. I
know everybody and everybody knows me.” This is an important aspect of
police work because it involves trust from both sides.
The fact that Pelletier trusted someone enough to give out his personal cell
phone number helped him make a big arrest. Pelletier had taken a few reports
about bad $20 bills being passed. Several stores on the West End had received
them: Joe’s Smoke Shop; Rite Aid; 7-Eleven. Pelletier spoke to other
shopkeepers to make them aware of what was going on, and gave them the
descriptions of the man and woman who had been passing the counterfeit
money. The two came into the 518 Forest Avenue Mobil station, and had gone
around the convenience store choosing items they were planning to purchase.
A city inspector was in the store at the time, and his walkie-talkie type of radio
went off. This alarmed the couple, causing them to put everything down and
they quickly walked out.
Steve Martin, the manager, immediately called Pelletier’s cell phone, and the
two suspects were found walking on Forest Avenue. They were from
Brooklyn, New York, and they both had counterfeit bills up in their coat
sleeves.
The Secret Service also got involved in the case because they are responsible
for investigating reports of counterfeit money. Aside from their role of
protection, their mission is also “to safeguard the nation’s financial
infrastructure and payment systems.” Estimates from the U.S. Secret Service
suggest that in the United States approximately $40 million is confiscated
yearly.
Pelletier received a commendation of merit on January 22nd, at the fourth
annual Award Breakfast, held at the Eastland Park Hotel, for the apprehension
of the people involved in the counterfeit ring, and Martin, the Mobil store
manager, was given a citizen commendation for his role in the event.
-Marge Niblock
Deering HS Principal Kunin Resigns
Deering High School Principal Kenneth Kunin has submitted his resignation,
effective at the end of the school year. Kunin has served nearly five years at
the helm of Portland’s largest high school, and the previous six years as
principal of Reiche Community School.
A search committee will be appointed to help select a new principal for
Deering. Parents, students, staff and community members who would like to
serve on the committee are encouraged to contact Assistant Superintendent Jill
Blackwood at blackj@portlandschools.org or by calling 874-8100.
Kunin worked as a social service agency executive, college instructor, special
education teacher, camp director, juggler and children’s performer before
joining the Portland Public Schools. He served as Reiche’s principal from
1998 to 2004. After one year as Deering’s interim principal, he was appointed
to the permanent position in 2006.
Cops Get Lucky on Valentine’s Day
The arrest of a man charged with the recent robbery of a Portland bank was
the result the alertness of some local cops - and a bit of good luck.
On February 14th, three members of Portland’s Police Department were at a
local hotel looking for a man with an outstanding warrant against him. Officers
Kevin Haley, Amie Lynn Rapa, and Tim Farriss located that person and were
escorting him to the Cumberland County Jail when fate presented them with a
bonus.
Jason Weymouth, 34, of Portland, stepped off the elevator and inadvertently
brushed into Officer Haley, apologized, and then said "How are you doing?"
As he walked by, the officers noticed a tattoo of the ace of spades on the
Weymouth’s neck. They knew the person suspected of robbing the Maine
Bank & Trust at 465 Congress Street early in the morning of February 12th
was described as having such a tattoo.
Mr. Weymouth was detained before being turned over to detectives. He said to
officers: "I don’t know what you guys are bothering me for. I just got out of
prison."
It was also discovered that while Weymouth had been "hanging out" at another
local hotel, he had given a tip of several hundred dollars - all in one dollar bills -
to a worker there.
The charges against Weymouth are robbery and possession of schedule drugs,
which were detected during the arrest transport process. He is being held at
the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of bail.
-Marge Niblock
ALLEGED BANK ROBBER CAUGHT
Today (12/14/10) at approximately 11 AM, the Portland Police Department,
working with the Southern Maine Violent Crime Task Force, arrested Jason
Weymouth (34 years old) of Portland, for the bank robbery that occurred on
Friday at the Maine Bank and Trust located at 465 Congress Street.
Mr. Weymouth was located at a local hotel and arrested without incident and
transported to the Cumberland County Jail and charged with Robbery. Mr.
Weymouth was also charged with possession of schedule drugs, due to
location/detection being made during the arrest transport process.
Mr. Weymouth is being held at the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of bail.
On Friday, February 12th at approximately 9:10 AM, there was a robbery at
the Maine Bank & Trust located at 465 Congress Street. The suspect entered
the bank then left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. He was last
seen
fleeing on foot away from the building on Congress Street.
The suspect was described as a white male, approx. 5'9"- 5'10" in height,
weighing approximately 150-160 lbs., in his mid 30's, clean shaven with
black hair. He was wearing a hooded camouflage jacket with blue jeans and
did display a weapon. No one was injured during the incident.
Portland WinteRush Events Canceled
Due to Lack of Snow
PolarBear 5K and Freezin for a Reason to go ahead as scheduled
The City of Portland announced the cancellation of the majority of Portland
WinteRush events scheduled for this Saturday, February 13th. The PolarBear
5K, sponsored by Tri-Maine and Freezin for a Reason, Maine Polar Plunge to
benefit Camp Sunshine, will still go ahead as planned. All other events,
however, have been canceled due to the lack of snow.
Should the weather cooperate in the next two months and provide a solid snow
base, Portland WinteRush organizers will hold a smaller outdoor festival with
many of the same activities. Information will be updated at www.
portlandwinterush.com
Portland Greens to Hold Caucus
Portland Green Independents will hold a caucus on Saturday, February 13th at
11:a.m. at Portland City Hall, At the caucus, party members will discuss
candidates, platform issues, voter registration, and fundraising. According to
new figures released by the Secretary of State’s Office, the number of
registered Greens in Portland has increased. There are now over 2,600
registered party members in Maine’s largest city.
“The caucus is a great opportunity for Green Independents to discuss platform
ideas and learn about upcoming elections," said West End City Councilor David
Marshall, who chairs the Portland Greens. " We are seeking candidates for this
year's elections, including candidates for the State Legislature and City
Council. Come share your ideas with us.”
The caucus is open to all registered Green Independents. Staff from the City
Clerk’s Office will also be attending the event. Anyone who is not registered as
a Green Independent may do so at the caucus and participate. For more
information, email PortlandGreens@gmail.com or call (207) 409-6617.
Suspect Charged with
Mulongo Murder
At approximately 3PM on Friday, February 12th, Portland detectives arrested
Daudoit Butsitsi, 24, and charged him with the murder of Serge Mulongo.
The arrest took place at the Portland Police Department, following numerous
interviews and review of evidence over the time subsequent to the incident.
The investigation was coordinated with the Attorney General's office.
The arraignment of Mr. Butsitsi is scheduled to take place on Tuesday
at the Cumberland County Court House at 10:30 am. Mr. Butsitsi is currently
being held at the Cumberland County Jail without bail.
Police received several 911calls reporting multiple shots being heard in the area
of Park Ave and Weymouth Street at 11:15 PM on February 10th. Upon
arrival, officers found Mulongo on the Weymouth Street side porch and
doorway area of 218 Park Ave. Medcu also responded and pronounced the
victim dead at the scene due to injuries sustained.
Police say that the victim had been at a party at 218 Park Ave prior to the
incident. Police reported that two black males wearing dark clothing were
seen fleeing the area following the shots being heard.
Mayor: JFK Project Still in Early
Stages
Portland Mayor Nick Mavodones says that the plan to bring the aircraft carrier
USS JFK to Portland Harbor is still in its earliest stages of development, and it
would take a "very good" plan to bring the 1,000-foot-long ship to the city.
Mavodones made his remarks to about 40 people gathered at the Parkside
Community Center on February 11th, at the re-scheduled annual meeting with
City staff members and City officials. Mavodones said that there were still "a
huge number of questions to be answered" about the project, which he called a
"daunting task." Several people at the meeting criticized the idea, saying that
people come to Portland to see the ocean and the islands - not a battleship.
The meeting was held just a few blocks from where twenty-four year old
Serge Mulongo was shot and killed less than twenty-four hours earlier.
However, talk of crime and police activity was limited to neighbors praising the
police' quick response to the shooting, and the police department's overall
performance. Lieutent Gary Rogers reassured District 2 residents that the
department's Detective Division was working on solving the crime, but the
investigation was still in its very early stages. (Portland police arrested a
suspect the next day.)
Traffic lights and signage were a hot topic at the meeting. Problem areas that
were discussed included Woodfords Corners, the Connector Road at the
Veterans' Bridge, and Cumberland Avenue. Public Services Director Mike
Bobinsky said that they haven't solved the Connector problem yet, but it is on
the City's list and will be addressed with the beginning of construction of the
new Veterans' Bridge.
Among other topics that were touched on were ice skating at Deering Oaks
Pond, the construction barricades in front of the Portland Public Library, the
City's housing situation, and the possible return of the Cat ferry service to
Nova Scotia.
Police/MCLU Differ on Sex
Offender Boundaries
The Portland Police Department would like the Portland City Council to enact
an ordinance that would prohibit convicted sex offenders from living near
schools or other places where children congregate.
However, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, probation officers, and social
service agencies say that such an ordinance would be counter- productive,
making it more difficult to keep track of - and provide support for - offenders
who are on probation.
The MCLU says that such ordinances do not work, and give people a false
sense of security. The police say an ordinance would give them enforcement
power that they do not have now in dealing with the majority of registered sex
offenders who are not on probation and don't have direct supervision.
The two sides made their cases to the Council's Public Safety Committee on
February 9th. The ordinance was proposed by Councilor Dory Waxman, who
said that she was contacted by parents who were concerned after learning that
a number of sex offenders live in the vicinity of Portland High School.
Everyone agreed that increased public education was needed to deal effectively
with the issue.
Rare Print Taken in Downtown
Art Theft
Three pieces of art, two original drawings by Jacques Onfroy de Breville, and
a woodcut by German Expressionist Conrad Felixmüller, were taken on the
afternoon of February 4th from Edward T. Pollack’s Forest Avenue gallery, A
Fine Thing, in downtown Portland.
The value of the three stolen pieces is almost $7,500. The woodcut is worth
$5,500, and is one of an edition of about ten, done in 1919. It’s considered to
be very rare and is in very good condition. The delicate line drawings by de
Breville were priced at $1,875 for the pair.
The artist was a well-known illustrator of books, many of them pertaining to
French history and Napoleon. He was born in 1858 and died in 1931, and
marks his work the letters “JOB” within a circle.
Pollack has owned the drawings for several years. He has had a gallery on
Forest Avenue for the past three years. The bins containing matted prints were
all in a small room to the rear of the main gallery area. Pollack was looking for
something else in the bins, when he discovered empty mats and realized the
prints had been removed.
Pollack stated “In the 1960s I began to collect prints and then I started buying
and selling books. For the past ten years I’ve been heavily into the dealing of
prints.” After operating as a private dealer for many years, Pollack says he
enjoys the gallery business. The gallery has a wide variety of excellent prints
by well-known artists represented in its collection. The caliber of work is equal
to what would be found in a museum.The shock of the theft has caused
Pollack to consider installing video cameras in his gallery.
Detectives working on the case say it is still under investigation. Detective
Sergeant Dean Goodale said: “We’d like very much to get the artwork back to
the owner.”
-Marge Niblock
Man Arrested for DUI with
Toddler in Car
Portland police arrested a Biddeford man on February 3rd, saying he had been
drinking and driving with his four-year-old son as a passenger.
At about 1:30 PM, an off-duty Wells police officer was on I-295 behind a car
that was driving erratically. He first noticed the vehicle in Scarborough.
He notified Portland police and continued to follow it. When the car reached
the city, it was "hitting curbs and snowbanks," according to the off-duty
policeman.
When the car was met by Portland police on Fessenden Street, near the USM
campus, David K. Bowen, 40, exited the vehicle along with son, who is four-
and-a-half years old.
Officer Joseph Ingegneri conducted a field sobriety test that showed Bowen’s
blood-alcohol level was over the legal limit. Bowen was placed under arrest
and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and operating under the
influence.
-Marge Niblock
Police Looking into Old Port
"Attack"
Alleged Victim Never Said He Was Attacked
Portland police are investigating an incident in the Old Port on Saturday night
that was described by a local newspaper as an "attack" on a 24-year-old
Portland man.
A story in the Portland Daily Sun alleging an attack in the Old Port last
weekend used words like "beating" and "assault." The victim, 24-year-old
Najmeldin Arbab, is cooperating with police, but his version of whatever
occurred in the early morning hours on Saturday, January 30th, does not
coincide with the story’s description.
Police were mystified when called by a reporter on February 1st seeking
information on the incident. They had nothing in their logs that bore any
resemblance to what they were being told about the "attack" and wuat the
story described as the "stunned" Sudanese community.
Police were shocked to see the front page article that hit the stands Tuesday,
February 2nd, because they knew nothing about such a violent incident. Arbab
has told police he’d had "a couple of beers," he was alone, and walking to his
car. The next thing he remembers is being on the ground and being transported
to Maine Medical Center by MEDCU. He said he doesn’t know what happened
to cause him to be on the ground.
The police investigation has disclosed that a 911 call was made around 1:20
AM requesting assistance for what was characterized as a possible overdose.
The caller would not give a name, and police responded to what was posted as
a medical call.
The responding officer arrived at the scene and summoned MEDCU, even
though Arbab said he didn’t want medical treatment. Police stayed with him
until he was on his way to the hospital. There was no indication of an assault
at that point and Arbab never stated he had been attacked.
Detectives who interviewed Arbab at the hospital on February 2nd reported
that he was awake, lucid, and communicating with them.
Police are contacting area businesses to check any footage that may be
contained on their video cameras from that night.
-Marge Niblock
Wrong Way Driver Snarls Rush
Hour Traffic
A driver going the wrong way down State Street at about 5:30 PM on
February 1st caused a three-car accident in the intersection of State Street and
Park Avenue. Residents reported a loud crash, however, police say there were
no serious injuries in the Monday evening mishap.
City Drops Plan for West End Parking
Restrictions
Several unrestricted parking areas in the West End are going to remain that
way. The City's Department of Public Services was considering the
imposition of two-hour, 9am to 5pm, parking restrictions on Spruce Street and
Clark Street, from Pine Street to Spring Street. However, about a dozen
neighborhood residents notified West End City Councilor David Marshall that
they would like the parking to remain as it is.
Residents of the area are able to obtain a free residential parking sticker. This
sticker, displayed on the vehicle's rear windshield, exempts their vehicles from
time limit restrictions.
Barkley to Run for Legislature
from Parkside
Jill Barkley has announced that she will run for the Maine State Legislature
from District 119, representing Parkside, Bayside, and Downtown Portland.
The seat is currently held by Representative Herb Adams, who is in his fourth
and final term.
Barkley, 28, is a lesbian feminist activist working within the domestic violence
movement, and is an organizer of the Portland Dyke March. She was an active
supporter of the recent unsuccessful 'No on 1' campaign, in which Maine's
marriage equality law was overturned.
She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a
Master's of Public Administration in the Program on Domestic Violence at the
University of Colorado-Denver.
Public Invited to Give Input on
Martin Luther King Memorial
Two public forums will be held in February to discuss the creation of the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, located at the Bayside Trail. The forums
will serve as the public’s opportunity to help shape the thematic content of a
permanent commemoration honoring the life and achievements of the civil
rights leader.
The Portland City Council created the Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force in
April, 2008, and charged it with identifying an appropriate location for a
memorial, and establishing guiding principles for the commemoration,
including connecting Dr. King's belief and legacy to the daily life of the city,
and conveying his message of international peace and fundamental fairness to
generations to come.
For more information about the forums or the commission, visit www.
mlkportlandmaine.org or contact mlkcommission@portlandmaine.gov via email.
Community Forum I
Thursday, February 11, 2010, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Maine Historical Society,
489 Congress Street
Community Forum II
Thursday, February 25, 2010, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Shaarey Tphiloh
Synagogue, 76 Noyes Street
Station A Post
Office to
Remain Open
The Station A Post Office on
Congress Street near Congress Square
has been removed from a federal list
of post offices being considered for
closing by the United States Postal
Service. Recent residential and
business development in the area of
the post office were cited as reasons
that it was spared. The Station A
office serves a large percentage of
elderly and low-income residents of
the neighborhood.
Office to
Remain Open
The Station A Post Office on
Congress Street near Congress Square
has been removed from a federal list
of post offices being considered for
closing by the United States Postal
Service. Recent residential and
business development in the area of
the post office were cited as reasons
that it was spared. The Station A
office serves a large percentage of
elderly and low-income residents of
the neighborhood.
