June 8,2009
Oxford County, Maine
Two Maine wardens took it upon themselves to stop an underage teenager on the side of the road after he exited his school bus for the walk home. Said teenager had already been fully cooperative with Wardens the day before after learning of the destruction of private property on land where many people enjoy riding their ATV's and dirt bikes.
This teenager had been fully cooperative with authorities the day before without hesitation and had eliminated himself as a suspect at that time. The wardens mentioned other suspects and left to continue their investigation.Unfortunately, the wardens took it upon themselves the next day to keep him from his parents just 20 yards or so up the street and harass him. They stated that certain people in the ATV riding club (newly formed) did not like him therefore he must be involved in the destruction in some way.
At what point in time does a personal opinion of an individual make him/her guilty of anything and when did our wardens become judge and jury?One warden was even, admittedly, out of his jurisdiction.
Anyone else have an experience with our wardens?
