WATERVILLE (AP) – Three former Colby College students have pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in connection with a dumpster fire that occurred just hours before a commencement exercise.
According to authorities, the graduates accepted an agreement Tuesday with the Kennebec County District Attorney’s Office that will defer the charges for a year and dismiss them if certain conditions are met.
The group must pay restitution to the Waterville Fire Department and Waste Management, which owned the dumpster. They must also complete community service.
Police said the incident began when a crowd of students gathered around a large bonfire near a senior dormitory just hours before Colby’s graduation ceremony in May.
Police said many of the students were drinking and some began throwing bottles and cans at firefighters responding to the blaze.
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