A Maine police officer in Washburn has been charged with several crimes, including falsifying a report in a missing person case. Washburn Police Sgt. Chandler Cole resigned after being charged with aggravated forgery, tampering with public records, falsifying physical evidence, and unsworn falsification. The charges stem from a case involving a missing person, Erik Foote, who was seen walking along a road in distress on March 30. Cole reported that he had taken Foote to a convenience store but told Foote’s parents he had taken him to the hospital. An investigation found that Cole altered his report to show a hospital drop-off, even though there is no hospital record to support this claim.
Despite the charges against Cole, Erik Foote has yet to be located, causing concern in the community of 1,500 people in Washburn. Another search party has been organized to look for Foote this weekend, as the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office now handles the investigation. The town of Washburn is currently considering whether to keep a police department, as the police chief retired in January, Cole resigned in February, and a young officer is working elsewhere. In the meantime, the Sheriff’s Office is providing coverage to Washburn while the town is without police. Cole declined to comment on the charges when reached by The Associated Press.
The allegations against Cole have raised questions about the integrity of the Washburn Police Department and have put a spotlight on the handling of missing persons cases in the town. The case of Erik Foote has become a focal point for the community, with residents coming together to search for the missing man. The fact that Foote has not been located despite the efforts of law enforcement and community members has only added to the concern and uncertainty surrounding the situation.
The charges against Cole highlight the serious nature of falsifying reports and tampering with public records, as these actions can have far-reaching consequences for individuals involved in criminal cases. The investigation into Cole’s actions has shed light on the need for transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies, as the public relies on officers to uphold the law and protect the community. The decision of whether to keep a police department in Washburn will likely be influenced by the outcome of this case and the town’s response to the allegations against Cole.
As the town of Washburn grapples with the aftermath of these charges, it is clear that the community is committed to finding answers in the case of Erik Foote and ensuring that justice is served. The involvement of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office has brought fresh eyes to the investigation and may provide new leads in the search for Foote. The residents of Washburn remain hopeful that Foote will be found safe and that the truth behind his disappearance will come to light. In the meantime, the town continues to rely on the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement coverage as they navigate this challenging period without a functioning police department.
