October 22, 2012

Lawyer: Standish church arson may not go to trial

Two boys, ages 14 and 16, are accused in a June fire that destroyed the 114-year-old Richville Chapel.

From staff reports

BRIDGTON — The attorney for one of two boys who are charged with setting a fire that destroyed a church in Standish says he is optimistic that the case can be resolved without a trial.

click image to enlarge

Steve Thibeault points to damage after an arson gutted the Richville Chapel in Standish. Thibeault, the son of former church pastor Connie Fogg, said the church plans to rebuild.

John Patriquin / Staff Photographer

Ronnie Head, 14, of Buxton and Cullen Dumbrocyo, 16, of Standish each face single counts of arson and aggravated criminal mischief and two counts of burglary and criminal mischief. Each has entered a denial -- the juvenile equivalent of a not-guilty plea.

The boys are accused of setting the fire that destroyed the 114-year-old Richville Chapel on June 14. The church is on Mosley Road, off Route 114, about four miles north of the Gorham town line.

Investigators say they have ruled out any connection between the church fire and a string of arsons set in Gorham in the spring.

Head appeared in Bridgton District Court on Monday. His attorney, Steven Carey, said he is now negotiating with the Cumberland County District Attorney's Office.

"We're trying to reach an outcome that is fair and focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, which is the goal of our juvenile justice system," Carey said.

Head's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 28 in Portland. Carey said several motions to suppress will be dealt with then if the case is not resolved earlier.

He said the motions are challenging whether police followed proper procedures while investigating, but he would not elaborate.

Dumbrocyo had a detention hearing in Portland on Friday. It was not immediately clear whether the hearing was for new alleged criminal activity or for violating conditions of release.

His attorney, Frayla Schoenfeld, would not comment on the case. Dumbrocyo's next court date is Jan. 28 in Bridgton.

The names of juveniles charged with felonies are public record.

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