GEORGETOWN

The Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Department arrested a man Wednesday they say was staying on island property without permission — his second such arrest in a month.

Michael J. Barilla, 39, whom police list as a transient, was arrested Wednesday on Peggy Island at around 5 a.m. and charged with burglary, violation of conditions of release and possession of marijuana, Chief Deputy Brett Strout said.

Strout said Barilla had been in a relationship with a woman in Texas who owns a residence on Webber Island in Georgetown. But the woman had a protection order barring Barilla from the property, and “he showed up at that location,” Strout said.

The sheriff ’s department first had contact with Barilla at the property July 14, issuing him a trespass warning, Strout said.

Police returned two days later to find Barilla was back, arrested him on charges of violating a protection order and criminal trespass, and transported him to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset. Strout said the sheriff ’s department then got a call July 29 that Barilla had returned. Told he was going to be arrested again, Barilla said he was staying on Peggy Island instead, according to Strout.

On Tuesday, the sheriff ’s department was contacted by the owner of Peggy Island and told that Barilla was not allowed to stay at the camp there and wanted him removed. Deputy Steve Thibeault arrived on the island with Maine Marine Patrol the following day, according to Strout.

They found Barilla had been using a boat belonging to the initial complainant and had “no right” to be staying inside the camp on Peggy Island, Strout said. The burglary charge stemmed from Barilla allegedly taking the boat and other items from the residence on Webber Island.

Thibeault had Barilla gather his belongings, which had to be removed from the property. As he was doing so, a Mason jar full of marijuana fell out of his back pocket, Strout said.

Barilla was arrested and taken back to the mainland and to Two Bridges Regional Jail. His property was secured, Strout said, and a dog Barilla had with him was taken by the animal control officer.

dmoore@timesrecord.com

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.