Staff Writer
A Caribou man has been charged with stalking and terrorizing involving multiple victims, following a dual investigation by the Presque Isle and Caribou police departments.
“As a result of an investigation into a complaint initiated by a local businesswoman, Presque Isle and Caribou police officers arrested Ryan M. Bouchard on Sept. 2 at his Summit St. residence in Caribou for stalking and terrorizing,” said Kevin Reed, PIPD, investigating officer.
Bouchard was unable to make bail and was transported to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.
“At the time of his arrest, Presque Isle police were serving a search warrant in conjunction with Caribou officers,” Reed said.
During the months of August and September, Bouchard allegedly made numerous phone calls to a Presque Isle business, where he left sexually charged and obscene phone messages specifically for the woman who made the initial complaint, explained Reed. Police are withholding her identity at this time for personal security purposes.
“Contained in the messages were vulgar and violent sexual threats aimed at the woman and her teenage children,” said Reed.
Police discovered evidence upon searching Bouchard’s home.
“The results of the search warrant yielded sexually explicit material contained in both photographic magazines and on a computer thumb-drive. Illegal drug paraphernalia was confiscated as well,” said Reed.
Subsequent to Bouchard’s arrest, Presque Isle investigators searched the contents of Bouchard’s cell phone, revealing numerous phone calls to a Caribou business and another Caribou resident as well, leaving similar sexually obscene messages on their voice messaging systems.
“The Caribou resident, also a businesswoman, had been acquainted with Bouchard in a professional setting several years ago. Police are withholding both of the Caribou victims’ names for security reasons as well,” said Reed.
Reed credits the working relationship between departments as the reason for Bouchard’s being caught.
“The successful conclusion and apprehension of Bouchard was made possible by strong inter-agency coordination between the Presque Isle and Caribou police departments and the District Attorney’s Office. The professional assistance from the companies involved — FairPoint Communications, U.S. Cellular and the local businesses who received the calls — are credited for their response and cooperation as well,” said Reed. “Without their diligent efforts, Bouchard’s identity may not have been discovered so rapidly.”
Bouchard has been charged with three counts of phone harassment, a Class E crime; two counts of terrorizing; and two counts of stalking. Both the terrorizing and stalking charges are Class D misdemeanors. According to Reed, Bouchard has been released from jail and is currently on bail and pre-trial release.
“Bouchard retained an attorney and the case has been transferred to Caribou Superior Court for jury trial. The trial date is unavailable at this time,” Reed said.
Police are asking any individuals who believe they may have been a victim of Bouchard’s to come forward.
“Should any citizens of Aroostook County feel as though they may have also been victim to these types of calls or messages, they are urged to contact the PIPD at 764-4476. Please advise the dispatcher of the nature of the call and as to speak with or leave a message for me,” said Reed.
Bouchard
