NEW GLOUCESER – New Gloucester town officials say that a man has left multiple messages threatening their lives.

Both the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and municipal officials declined to provide the man’s name.

According to Capt. Don Goulet, in two messages to town officials, the man accused Town Manager Paul First of sending Board of Selectmen Chairman Steve Libby to steal his lawn signs.

“He (says) it was Selectmen Libby that stole them and that the manager was the one that sent him to do it,” Goulet said. “That was the gist of the message. And obviously the manager said, ‘We didn’t do such a thing.’”

Goulet said that the sheriff’s department has not pressed charges against the man. The threats were reported on May 12, Goulet said. Goulet said that after Deputy Sam Cafone investigated the matter, the case was closed. Following further discussion with town officials, the department is considering re-opening the case, Goulet said.

During a selectmen’s meeting on Monday, Libby said the man sent him a “very, very vulgar” email that threatened Libby’s life as well as New Gloucester municipal officials in general.

“The threat specifically went to me, but you all need to be on guard,” Libby said.

Libby, who characterized the threat as “very, very serious,” said that his parents, who live across the street, had been monitoring his driveway.

“This should not go unchecked,” Libby said. “It should not be allowed to happen. It is concerning when someone threatens your life like that, and it was disgusting.”

Libby said that First had received a phone call from the man, as well. According to First, the man holds long-standing “anti-government” grievances.

“What he’s very clearly stated he’s doing is threatening the life of any town officials,” First said. “This individual is very clear and in terms of intent in his threat, that if any one steps foot on his property, that he will kill them.”

At the selectmen’s meeting Libby described the email as “public knowledge.” First declined to provide a copy of the email until he had consulted with a town attorney, saying he hoped to contain the situation.