Man ordered to pay $14.5M wants new trial

PORTLAND (AP) — A Freeport man ordered to pay $14.5 million in damages to a Haiti orphanage founder he accused of sexually abusing boys is asking for a new trial.

A jury ordered Paul Kendrick to pay $7 million to Michael Geilenfeld, founder of St. Joseph’s Home for Boys. Kendrick must also pay $7.5 million to North Carolina-based Hearts with Haiti after an email campaign that Geilenfeld says resulted in his being imprisoned for 237 days in Haiti and cost the charity millions in donations.

Kendrick filed his request for a new trial on Thursday in federal court. He says evidence of Geilenfeld’s time in prison was erroneously admitted during the trial. The trial ended in July.

Geilenfeld’s lawyer says he will file a response with the court within two weeks.

LePage investigation decision delayed

AUGUSTA ( AP) — A Maine legislative committee has delayed making a decision on whether the state’s watchdog agency should investigate allegations that Republican Gov. Paul LePage forced the president of the World Acadian Congress to step down.

Democratic Reps. Ronald “ Danny” Martin and Robert Saucier asked the Government Oversight Committee last month to initiate an investigation into the allegation made by liberal and political activist Mike Tipping in a column published by the Bangor Daily News.

Tipping quoted a member of the World Acadian Congress board as saying that LePage had threatened to pull $500,000 in funding for the organization unless it removed Jason Parent as president.

LePage officials say Tipping’s claim is false and politically motivated.

The panel said Thursday that it needs more information before deciding whether to pursue an investigation.

College receives $1.1M for students in need

WATERVILLE (AP) — A liberal arts and business college in Maine has been awarded a $ 1.1 million grant to help retain students in need.

The Morning Sentinel reports officials at Waterville’s Thomas College say it is the first private college in the state to receive the TRIO Student Support Services grant.

The funding, given by the U.S. Department of Education, aims to support and retain first-generation students, students from lowincome families and those who have disabilities.

The money will come over five years to serve up to 140 students annually.

College President Laurie Lachance says the funding will help students graduate on time and “ become career-ready.”

Police: Woman made false sex assault claim

PORTLAND ( AP) — Police say a woman who recanted reports of being sexually assaulted on the Back Cove walking trail in Portland has been charged with filing a false report.

Sarah Dodge of Bridgton was ordered Thursday to appear in court Oct. 1 on the misdemeanor charge.

Police Chief Michael Sauschunck tells the Portland Press Herald that the reported crime had a “negative impact” on the perception of safety in the city.

The 34-year old woman reported the rape Aug. 12, prompting police to increase patrols in the area. Authorities launched an investigation involving canine teams and several interviews with hikers and joggers.

Police say Dodge was questioned two days later about alleged contradictions in her account, and she eventually recanted.

Dodge couldn’t be reached by the Portland Press Herald for comment.

Body found in river being investigated

ELLSWORTH (AP) — Maine authorities say they are investigating the discovery of a body found floating in the Union River.

The Maine Marine Patrol says the body of 54-year-old Gregory A. Jones of Hancock was discovered at 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday a half mile downstream from the Ellsworth town boat launch. The patrol says he was pronounced dead at the scene. A state spokesman says the Maine Marine Patrol is investigating the death.

Authorities say Jones’ body was transported to Augusta where the medical examiner will conduct an autopsy.