NEW GLOUCESTER – In response to requests from a town official, Cumberland County District Court has issued a temporary protection from harassment order against New Gloucester resident Frank Staton Jr.

New Gloucester town officials say that Staton left messages threatening their lives.

According to Capt. Don Goulet of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Staton left two messages with town officials accusing Town Manager Paul First of sending Board of Selectmen Chairman Steve Libby to steal his lawn signs.

The court issued the protection order on May 30, more than two weeks after town officials reported the threats to the sheriff’s department, Goulet said. According to Goulet, First called for the protection order, not the department, which has recently investigated the matter.

“This emerged as a result, not of the criminal investigation, but the town manager acting on behalf of the town,” Goulet said.

Goulet said that the department submitted the results of its investigation to the District Attorney’s office on Friday.

According to Goulet, the protection order prohibits Staton from having contact with town employees and selectmen directly or indirectly. Staton is prohibited from entering the town office, as well, Goulet said. Violation of the temporary order is a Class D crime, he said.

A hearing to determine whether the protection order will be made permanent has been scheduled for June 23 at 9 a.m. at Cumberland County District Court.

“Let’s give the legal system an opportunity to do their job,” First said. “Threats of violence and harassment against municipal officials and employees – we can’t let them go unaddressed.”

Copy the Story Link