Local Dispatches

ROCKLAND

Lawsuits: Ex-loan officer embezzled over $800,000

Two lawsuits have been filed against a former Maine bank loan officer, alleging she embezzled more than $800,000 from customers.

One lawsuit filed by Camden National Bank alleges that Christina Torres-York of Warren took the money over two years, ending in October 2009. Torres-York, who worked at the bank in Waldoboro, has not been charged with any crime. The FBI is investigating.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the bank alleges that Torres-York made unauthorized withdrawals from five customers’ lines of credit and transferred the money to others, including herself.

The second suit was filed by the Maine Contractors and Building Alliance, of which Torres-York was treasurer. It alleges she took nearly $83,000 from its accounts.

Torres-York has declined to comment and has not filed a response to the complaints.

NORWAY

Towns receive grants, loans for water treatment projects

Three Maine communities will receive more than $2 million in grants and loans for water treatment improvement projects.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said stimulus money will be used in 20 states to improve water quality and public sanitation services.

In Maine, Norway will receive a $385,000 loan and a $1.1 million grant to improve sewer system efficiency, safeguard groundwater and reduce discharges into the Little Androscoggin River.

Mars Hill will receive grants of nearly $1 million to improve its water and wastewater treatment systems; the Boothbay Harbor Sewer District will receive a $342,000 loan and a $250,000 grant.