Franklin County residents shocked by alleged criminal conspiracy involving law enforcement - fox23maine.com

FARMINGTON (WGME) -- An alleged criminal conspiracy to sell marijuana in Maine illegally was far reaching, involving a handful of public officials and current and former law officers.

The alleged criminal conspiracy has sent shockwaves throughout Franklin County and the surrounding area. The scandal allegedly involved four current and former law enforcement officers.

Three buildings were raided in what federal authorities call an illegal marijuana growing and distribution operation centered in Farmington.

"That's kind of scary and disturbing," Franklin County resident Stan Keach said.

Neighbors say what's particularly disturbing is that current and former law enforcement officers are now charged in the conspiracy.

"If you are a law enforcement officer, you have to take care of the law and represent it, rather than breaking it, yeah," Franklin County resident Hans Jenau said.

Some Franklin County residents question how this is a criminal conspiracy at all when marijuana is now legal in Maine.

"Here it's legal,” Franklin County resident Kayla Fitch said. “So, I don't feel like it would be a conspiracy if it's legal here."

Others chalk it up to a few bad apples.

Franklin County Commissioner Clyde Barker says he's disappointed that so many public officials, people in trusted positions, allegedly got caught up in this conspiracy.

"The sheriff runs a tight ship, him and his chief deputy," Barker said.

"I don't know,” Keach said. “I mean, I think we know that law enforcement people are human beings, and they're going to be susceptible to the same temptations and greed and flaws that all human beings are."

The Wilton Police Chief says the whole thing is a shame, and the Franklin County Sheriff says this is now in the hands of the courts to decide guilt or innocence.

The attorney for alleged ringleader Lucas Sirois tells the Associated Press his client was engaged in a legal marijuana business, adding the charges are based on the words of a disgruntled former employee.

He says what Sirois is doing is legal under state law.

“What he’s doing is legal under state law. This is not something the feds should be involving themselves with,” attorney Timothy Parlatore said.

Meanwhile, an attorney representing Assistant District Attorney Kayla Alves says she is innocent.

“This case cries out for a less antiquated approach to drug enforcement,” attorney Ronald Bourget said. “The ‘war on drugs’ may still be ongoing, but the white flag on marijuana was raised years ago.”

Thursday afternoon, her boss, the Franklin County DA, said he's "extremely concerned to learn of the allegations against one of the prosecutors in my district.” He adds he has "taken action to remove her from her duties."

source: https://fox23maine.com/news/local/franklin-county-residents-shocked-by-alleged-criminal-conspiracy-involving-law-enforcement

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