Deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to an 11:45 p.m. report of a break-in at 13 Cranberry Hill Road in Raymond last Thursday.
When Deputies John Fournier and Al Winslow, accompanied by five additional deputies, arrived on the scene, those inside the home tried to block their access with two-by-fours.
According to Captain William Rhoads, the deputies gained entry through “exigent circumstances.” Rhoads explained that in this type of situation, “where you know a crime is being committed you can enter a residence.”
Once inside, the deputies arrested 12 people, ages 15 through 20. Among them was a 17-year-old boy who had broken into the house, which is owned by his mother. Although there was no restraining order, the mother had previously banned him from her home and had asked a friend to watch the house in her absence. It was this friend who called police.
The dozen who were arrested were taken to Cumberland County Jail. The homeowner’s son was charged with burglary and furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol.
The other seven juveniles were charged with criminal trespass and in addition, four of them were charged with possession of alcohol by consumption. They were subsequently released to their parents.
The four adults who were arrested, Jonah King, 18, of Raymond; Sean Losciuto, 20, of Gray; Cheyanne Pelletier, 20, of Limington; and Joseph Robertson, 18, of Windham, were charged with criminal trespass. Of those, Robertson and Pelletier were also charged with possession of alcohol by consumption.
According to Rebecca King, Jonah King’s mother, her son “has been wrongly accused of doing something he didn’t do.” A friend had called him about the party and King arrived at some point after 11 p.m.
“My son had nothing to do with anything that went on,” said King, “and was guilty only by association – by age.”
Concerned about a possible criminal record, the Kings have retained attorney Gary Prolman. Prolman said Jonah didn’t know he was trespassing when he entered the house; he just thought he was going to a party. And a blood alcohol test administered at the jail confirmed he had zero alcohol in his system.
“I’m confident Jonah’s case will be dismissed,” said Prolman. “My gut reaction is that everything is going to work out okay.”
Attempts by this newspaper to obtain comments from the other adults who were arrested, as well as from the homeowner, were unsuccessful.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
