SKOWHEGAN — A theft charge has been dropped against a 32-year-old Skowhegan man who was initially charged with stealing money that had fallen out of another man’s pocket at a local market, police said Friday.

Joseph Williams, of North Avenue, had been issued a summons to appear in court Tuesday after a clerk at West Front Market told police she saw him step on about $95 that had dropped from a senior citizen’s pocket. Police Chief Ted Blais said Tuesday that “apparently the guy behind him stepped up and stood on the money so it wasn’t obvious that anything had fallen out.”

Williams did put his foot on the money, Blais said Friday, but the victim declined to press charges if he got the money back.

“He was charged, but with the acceptance from the DA’s office, charges were dropped and restitution paid,” the chief said. “The victim does not want to pursue the theft charge as long as the money is returned, so with agreement from the DA’s office, the investigating officer has received the money from the suspect and it is to be returned to the rightful owner.

“I spoke to the suspect and he stated that it was a life lesson learned — since his name was put in the paper.”

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Doug_Harlow


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