Health and Human Services investigators visited the home of Jasper Smith 7 times without taking action. On May 17, he died from a gunshot wound when he accessed a handgun registered to his stepfather.
Joe Charpentier
Staff Writer
Joe Charpentier came to the Sun Journal in 2022 to cover crime and chaos. His previous experience was in a variety of rural Midcoast beats which included government, education, sports, economics and analysis, crime, and environment. He loves surprising his editors with spontaneous enterprising stories and prides himself on mastering the ability to slip the odd Oxford comma by the copy editors. When not on the beat, Joe enjoys spending time with family, writing fiction and woodworking.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine, News
Androscoggin River, once a ‘national disgrace’, should be recognized for cleanup efforts, advocates say
Advocates propose reclassifying the water quality of the river from Rumford to Lisbon — a move they say could spark economic growth.
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Posted inCops & Courts, Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, News
Illegal firearm purchases in Maine feeding gun trafficking across U.S.
In places like Lewiston, a sharp rise in gun violence begs the question: How many firearms are acquired by people lying about who the gun is for?
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers to consider beefed-up gun storage rules in effort to prevent accidental injuries, deaths
The debate over LD 1120 comes after a 4-year-old Lewiston boy died this weekend in a shooting, the latest tragedy of its kind in Maine.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine, News
Proper firearm storage saves lives, experts say
As Maine lawmakers look to add gun storage laws to the books, we take a look at the best practices for safe firearm storage.
Posted inCops & Courts, Lewiston-Auburn, News
Man sentenced for stealing from postal workers, post offices in central Maine
Lance Funderburk and his accomplice targeted post offices in Paris and Monmouth, and postal carriers in Lewiston.
Posted inMaine, News, Religion and Values
Mainers witness selection of new pope as white smoke rises in Vatican City
Cardinal Robert Prevost, who will become Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after the conclave election.
Posted inMaine, News, Outdoors, Schools and Education
Maine students head outdoors for Life Happens Outside Challenge
The weeklong challenge, which begins Friday, motivates middle school students to spend more time outdoors, offering a chance to win cash prizes while fostering well-being in students and staff.
Posted inCops & Courts, News
Kingfield woman pleads guilty to conspiracy in Franklin County illegal marijuana operation
Alisa Sirois will forfeit almost $500,000 and three properties, and receive limited jail time under the plea agreement.
Posted inCops & Courts, Lewiston-Auburn, News
Robbery leads to 10-hour standoff, arrest of 3 teens in Auburn
Three juveniles were arrested on robbery, theft and weapons charges Sunday after the incident on Lake Street.