AUGUSTA — Rustling a stand of cedar trees that belonged to his neighbors has cost 23-year-old Gregory R. Hanson time in the alternative sentencing program and $7,475 for restitution.

Hanson, now of Burnham and formerly of Clinton, pleaded guilty Tuesday to theft by unauthorized taking, which occurred between October 2013 to March 15, 2014, in Clinton.

The prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Frayla Schoenfield, said Hanson admitted to investigators that he had cut more than 300 trees on private land belonging to three owners and made them into finished fence posts that were put up for sale.

Schoenfeld said the investigation by the Maine Forest Service began after a number of complaints were received from landowners about trees being cut on their property, which was behind the property where Hanson was living.

“He cut well beyond where his property line went,” Schoenfled told Justice Michaela Murphy, saying an aerial photo plainly showed where trees had been cut.

She also said another man told the forest ranger investigator, Lisa Byers, that he had helped Hanson cut trees in that area.

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Hanson’s attorney, Thomas Nale Jr., said Hanson paid all the restitution Tuesday.

Hanson was sentenced to two years in jail, with all but 10 days suspended, and two years of probation. The 10 days will be served in the alternative sentencing program in February.

Several other people were sentenced Tuesday in separate hearings Tuesday in Kennebec County Superior Court:

• Nicholas Goodwin, 29, of Waterville, theft and violating condition of release May 17 in Winthrop; 24-hour jail sentence, credit for 24 hours served, $500 fine.

• Marissa Hudson, 29, of Fairfield, theft by unauthorized taking or transfer July 23 in Waterville; five-day jail sentence, $500 fine.

• Timothy Jennings, 35, of Augusta, theft, unlawful possession of scheduled drug and violating condition of release July 3 in Augusta; 18-month jail sentence, all but 45 days suspended, two years of probation, $400 fine.

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• Timothy E. Reynolds, 53, of Winslow, operating under the influence Aug. 1 in Winslow; 96-hour jail sentence, $600 fine, 150-day license suspension.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @betadams


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