SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A South Portland teen, 17, appeared in court Thursday after being accused of soliciting someone to commit murder at South Portland High School back in April.
The teen stood in court Thursday morning, with his family, including his father, who was also arrested in April for interfering with his son’s arrest.
The teen also faces charges of criminal threatening, a Class D crime, and arson, a Class A crime.
When the teen was arrested in April, police removed several "high-powered" rifles from the teen's home, but did not reveal the type of weapon or how many, citing the suspect was still a minor.
“We reduced any type of threat from this individual. We recovered a lot of evidence from his home, that will stop any actions that he had planned. We want to ensure the public, they are safe,” South Portland Police Chief Dan Ahearn said after the teen's arrest.
At the court hearing, the teen's attorney debated the conditions of his release with the state attorneys, who wanted him to be detained throughout the legal process.
The state argued that the South Portland school community still feels threatened by the suspect.
The teen's juvenile corrections officer said the suspect didn’t violate any conditions of his release and served no threat to the public at this time. The corrections officer said they have tightened the teen's curfew and speak with him regularly.
The judge ruled in the teen's favor but added a new restriction that the teen must stay 200 feet away from South Portland High School at all times.
The state was disappointed by the judge's ruling.
“The defendant does not appear to appreciate the seriousness or the fear he’s instilled in the South Portland Community,” the state attorney said.
The defendant's lawyer believes the state is fueling the flames of fear.
“The state is creating a perpetuating fear for the community,” the teen's lawyer said in court.
“I have no reason to believe there is a risk to the public,” the judge replied.
The teen's next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 28, where it will be determined if he will be tried as an adult.
