Burglary investigation results in multiple charges

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Multiple criminal charges landed James I. Keaton, 19, in the Aroostook County Jail Dec. 23 following a quick response by police who investigated the scene of an alleged burglary.
    Houlton Police Department (HPD) officers Kristin Calaman and Randall Wilson went to 82 Main St. in response to a report of an unidentified male allegedly seen breaking into commercial laundry machines at 11 p.m. using a metal bar. The owner, Ralph Zuraik, arrived at the scene and estimated costs to replace the damaged machines at more than $2,000. Zuraik indicated that approximately $75 was taken from one washing machine.
    Witnesses, according to police, stated they startled the male and provided police with a description in addition to a location where he was last seen. Officers Calaman and Wilson went to 10 Mechanic St. and located a male subject who matched the description in one of the apartments at that address. He was identified as Keaton, a Houlton resident, and charged with the alleged crimes at 82 Main Street.
    According to police, while in custody, Keaton admitted to committing a similar offense earlier that evening around 8 p.m. in the Kendall Street apartments where he allegedly used a chisel and screwdriver, in a failed attempt to force open a washing machine.
Body search reveals hidden drug
    While transporting Keaton to the Aroostook County Correctional Facility, the suspect, also according to the police report, complained to the officers that something was poking him. A hypodermic needle was located in his pants pocket after a search. Officers also noted that Keaton was walking with some discomfort.
    Following a request for a body cavity search, correctional officers allegedly located and removed a half tablet of Suboxone, which was sealed in plastic wrap, in his anal cavity. Suboxone, manufactured by Reckitt-Benckiser is a narcotic medication indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence.
    Keaton is charged with the following felonies: violation of condition of release Class E, two counts of burglary Class C, two counts of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer Class C, two counts of aggravated criminal mischief Class C, two counts of unlawful possession of a scheduled drug Class D, two counts of aggravated  criminal trespass Class C, trafficking in hypodermic apparatus Class C, and trafficking in prison contraband Class C.
    Chief Butch Asselin complimented the officers for their efficient investigation and subsequent arrest of Keaton. The matter is still under investigation. Keaton was in jail at presstime.
    Zuraik said he was “shocked since nothing like that had ever happened before at that apartment building.” Zuraik said all of his tenants like those who reported the incident to the police are all good working people and he is looking into a security system. In order to prevent any similar occurrence, money from the laundry machines will be removed daily. He has owned the Main St. property, which includes storefront businesses, for three years. He also owns The Vault restaurant.
Hayes arrested for disturbances
    In another police matter, Terry Hayes, 59, of Houlton was arrested on Dec. 24 at 7:47 p.m. by Sgt. Eric Crouse and Officer Matthew Quint for disorderly conduct at his residence on Military Street.
    Hayes, according to police, was instructed by the responding officers that he had been warned earlier in the month about loud music in his apartment disturbing other tenants. Due to the fact that Hayes had received warnings under similar circumstances, and for the same conduct within a 30-day period, he was placed under arrest.
    The police department had received numerous complaints during December that Hayes had allegedly been playing his stereo too loud. After warnings, Hayes turned the music down temporarily solving the problem for that night.
    Prior to responding to the call, the police department received and responded to two complaints about Hayes being intoxicated in public, dancing in the roadway and stepping out in front of moving vehicles.
    Hayes was released from jail Dec. 28 after four days for time served.