Reports from both the Bangor Daily News and Houlton Pioneer Times state that Darrell P. Williams, 53, the former Town Manager of Amity was indicted on one count of theft by unauthorized taking of over $10,000 of the town's funds. The indictment alleges the incident took place between 2005 and April 2007 and that Williams did "commit theft by obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over money, property of the town of Amity, of a value of more than $10,000, with the intent to deprive the town of Amity of property." Neale Adams, District Attorney, is remaining close mouthed about the specific details of the case.

Residents noticed a note in Financial Statements of the annual Town Report for 2008, audited by Davis CPA from Presque Isle, that the town was owed $43,410 by a former employee. The report states the amount comes from improprieties in the bookkeeping practices of the former employee. Pages 22 through 25 of the report state the problems with the accounting practices and lists the steps the Town needs to take to avoid another such incident. It also says that the Town Management has agreed to follow up with Davis' recommendations.

Williams resigned his post as Town Manager in April 2007 after the Selectmen, in the annual Performance Review, expressed their dissatisfaction with several issues. During Williams tenure the Town Office burned twice in less than a week. The debris from the building was taken to to the town's gravel pit and another location where they were burned after the Forest Service told Williams not to burn. The Department of Environmental Protection was contacted by a nonresident landowner concerned about possible pollution. After an investigation by the DEP and Forest Service, the Town was taken to court for "burning prohibited material", found guilty, and fined $100 (plus costs). The Town also was responsible for the costs of proper disposal of the remaining materials. The Forest Service also put a prohibition on any burning by the Town unless approved by the Forest Service.

Williams also served as Town Manager for Oakfield at the same time. Williams quit that job during a dispute with the Selectmen over the town's finances and other issues. During his term, Oakfield also had a problem with burning prohibited materials. Over the Transfer Station Manager's objections, Williams allowed the debris of a house from another town to be hauled in and burned on the site. This was about the same time as Amity's problems with burning building debris.

Williams, now residing in Monticello, has had furniture stores in Houlton, Presque Isle, Lincoln, and also owns Northeast Liquidators in Presque Isle with his two sons, Darrell Jr. and Kyle.

Williams also lists "Minister" as one of his professions. He has had several churches in the area, recently preaching at the Pentecostal Church in Monticello.

Watch for updates as Amity Matters is trying to obtain more information and will print any new developments as they occur.

2/08/2008

Amity Matters has been asked by several residents if we would look into some questions they had concerning the 2007 Audit Report. Amity Matters has confirmed that there is an on-going investigation involving the appropriate State agencies. Considering this is an on-going investigation, we will not be reporting on this until there are further developments worthy of reporting. We will try to keep a close eye on this to keep you informed as soon as such developments occur.

12/22/2008

While Wednesday was quite a stormy day; Thursday, December 18th dawned bright and sunny but cold. Court Day!

Even though I had gone in to town early to visit my Mother (for just a few minutes!) before court, I found myself racing across the School Street parking lot hot on the heels of an equally late lawyer. Both of us tried to scoot through the closing door as court was called to session. Pausing to look for a seat in the nearly full room, I found only two left available. The seat on the right required climbing over several people, so I chose the only other open seat at the rear of the room.

As I walked down the aisle I was pleased to see one of our Selectmen, a former Selectman, and another resident already seated. Reaching the back bench, I asked Darrell Williams to please move so I could sit down. He quickly jumped up and I gratefully slid into the seat still a bit winded.(These old broken knees haven't had to run in a long time and they were protesting their recent ill treatment.)

The judge began calling up the cases and Williams was among the first. Appearing quite nervous as he approached the bench, Williams wisely let his lawyer speak for him. The lawyer said he was new on the case and did not know if a plea had been entered at Williams's arraignment. The judge looked through his paperwork and stated that a "not guilty plea had been entered in July." Asking for a continuance, Williams' lawyer said they were working on a "reasonable" resolution with the District Attorney's office and hoped for a favorable resolution.

The judge asked if the resolution included restitution, Williams' lawyer quickly replied, "Yes, your honor." The continuance allows Williams time to get as much of the restitution money together as he can. After mentioning a future court date in February and receiving a negative reply from both Williams and his lawyer that it would not be enough time, a date of March 11th, 2009 was set.

After the morning session was recessed, I spoke with Assistant District Attorney Pat Gordon about the case. Gordon assured me that no plea agreement has been offered and would not even be considered until after they see the amount of restitution raised by Williams. Gordon commented the amount is so substantial most people would have trouble raising it in a year, let alone about 3 months. This begged the question, "How much is it?" The reply, "Over $40,000."

UPDATE 6/29/09

GOOD NEWS!

An email from Assistant District Attorney Pat Gorden was very reassuring to those worried the case was over. He stated, "any plea negotiation has to go through me. There is no deal in place. I will let you know if we work something out."

Gordon has often commented on how slow the wheels of justice turn, "Life is not just an hour tv show." Gordon has also remarked that the Williams' case is really in its infancy considering he is still carrying cases started in 2006. He has said repeatedly that he is not interested in any plea agreement that does not include full restitution to the town. Gordon has also asked for some jail time and probation to follow. As far as a fine, Gordon stated he would rather Williams "focused his resources on paying back the Town than contributing to the State's general fund."

So as it now stands, Willians case is scheduled to be held July 16th at 1 pm at the Superior Courthouse.We encourage residents to attend, if there is no one there to represent the wronged citizens of Amity, it just looks like no one cares.

You may want to come early since the last time Williams was scheduled for the afternoon he had things taken care of in the morning. The seats may be a bit hard (folding up my coat for a cushion made it much more comfortable), but the admission s free and it is the best show in Houlton.

7/17/2009

On Thursday July 16th, Amity's former Town Manager Darrell Williams was again in court for his latest hearing. With the Houlton Courthouse renovations nearly finished, the court sessions are held upstairs in the same room of Williams' first court date. The stairwell was lined with people and the small upper waiting area was standing room only when Williams arrived, smiling and looking confident.

A look which quickly faded as someone on the stairs spoke out, "Hello Darrell, I think there's some folks up there waiting for you." Looking up, Williams' saw the faces of several Amity residents looking down at him. Present for the session was Arthur Hall, Odel Fields, Hollis Seamans, Eli Werber and his friend Daniel.

With only a few cases to dispose of, Judge E. Allen Hunter was soon ready for Williams' case. By then, only two or three other people were left in the courtroom; so the residents of Amity were plainly visible.

Just before the case was to come up, Williams' lawyer, Tory Sylvester, came over to Victims Advocate Becky Miller to ask if any of the officials from Amity were present. Miller turned and asked Werber if there were any. Unfortunately, none of our town's elected representatives were present so Werber suggested that Miller call Margaret Frye, Amity's present Town Manager. Frye referred the caller from the Court to Selectman Pat Miller.

Update on Williams' Case

7/27/09

As of today, the case against Amity's former Town Manager is scheduled on the court docket for Wednesday, the 29th, at 9:00 am. This is Darrell Williams final chance for a plea agreement, if no agreement is reached, Justice Hunter stated he would entertain no further negotiations, and the case would move forward to trial.

Amity Matters encourages all the residents of Amity to attend the court session if they are able. On the 16th, the Judge noticed and the DA seemed encouraged by the residents that attended.

This crime was committed against the taxpayer's of our Town, and everyone was hit in their pocketbook. Please attend and show that stealing from a town's coffers is not a victimless crime.

If you enter the courthouse through the Military Street door, turn left and go upstairs. Go straight ahead and partway down the hall you will find an elevator on the right. If you bring along a cushion, the seat's not too hard.