A Maine police officer in Washburn, Sgt. Chandler Cole, has been charged with several crimes related to a missing person case. Cole resigned from his position after being charged with aggravated forgery, tampering with public records or information, falsifying physical evidence, and unsworn falsification. He was arrested on March 29 and has declined to comment on the charges. The allegations against Cole stem from a missing person case in which he claimed to have taken the individual to a hospital, but there is no evidence to support this claim.
The missing person in question, Erik Foote, was last seen walking along a road on January 30, appearing to be distressed. Cole initially reported that he had picked up Foote and dropped him off at a convenience store, but later informed Foote’s parents that he had taken him to the hospital. An investigation revealed that Cole had altered his report to reflect a hospital drop-off, but there is no record of Foote being taken to the hospital. Foote has yet to be located, and the community of Washburn, with a population of 1,500 people, is still actively searching for him.
The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the investigation into Cole’s alleged misconduct. The town of Washburn is currently considering whether to maintain its own police department, as the police chief retired in January, Cole resigned in February, and another officer is currently working elsewhere. In the meantime, the Sheriff’s Office is providing coverage for the town while it is without police assistance. The case has generated significant interest and concern within the community, leading to continued efforts to locate Erik Foote.
The charges against Cole highlight the serious nature of the allegations against him and the potential impact on the missing person case. The community of Washburn is actively engaged in the search for Erik Foote and is hoping for a resolution to the case. The situation has raised questions about the integrity and credibility of law enforcement officers and the importance of ensuring accurate and truthful reporting in missing person cases. The involvement of the Sheriff’s Office in the investigation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation into Cole’s actions continues, the community of Washburn remains focused on finding Erik Foote and bringing closure to his case. The town’s decision about the future of its police department will also be a significant factor in ensuring public safety and trust in law enforcement. The impact of this case extends beyond the actions of one individual officer, highlighting the broader issues of responsibility and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The outcome of the investigation will have implications for the community and law enforcement practices in Washburn and beyond.
Overall, the charges against Sgt. Chandler Cole have raised concerns about the handling of missing person cases and the conduct of law enforcement officers in small communities like Washburn. The community’s continued efforts to locate Erik Foote demonstrate the importance of community engagement and cooperation in resolving such cases. The involvement of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and the town’s deliberations about its police department reflect the complexities and challenges of maintaining public safety and trust in law enforcement. The resolution of this case will have lasting repercussions for Washburn and serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in law enforcement agencies.
