AUGUSTA — Edward Cook’s wallet on Feb. 5 contained his life savings, his moving money and car repair money.

Police reported finding the wallet and $3,050 cash on an intoxicated man trying to break into a residence on Main Street in Waterville the same day.

When they contacted Cook, 68, who lives on North Street in Waterville, he said he had been robbed in his home and hit on the head by someone who took his wallet and his money. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Four felony charges from that attack remain pending against Richard B. Poirier, 24, of Clinton, the man police say they found breaking into the Waterville house.

But Cook wanted his property back, so he contacted attorney John O’Donnell to represent him, and on Tuesday, a judge in Kennebec County Superior Court ordered it returned following a conference in chambers with attorneys.

“It’s been three months,” said Cook as he waited for a scheduled hearing on the motion for return of property, accompanied by his daughter. He could still describe the bill denominations: 28 100-dollar bills, 10 20-dollar bills and one 50-dollar bill.

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Cook said he’s still recovering from the attack. The robber kicked him in the face and he said his face will never look the same.

“It’s something I have to live with,” Cook said. “He broke my jaw in two places. He invaded my home.”

Poirier, who remains in jail, was brought to court, but escorted back almost immediately.

He is accused of robbery, burglary, aggravated assault and aggravated criminal trespass, all involving the incident at Cook’s home. Poirier is represented by attorney Scott Gurney.

O’Donnell said afterward that the defense objected to the return of the property.

Betty Adams — 621-5631badams@centralmaine.comTwitter: @betadams


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