News

Prosecutors Drop Charge After Witness Found Dead

Prosecutors Drop Charge After Witness Found Dead

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUBURN, Maine (AP) Prosecutors say the alleged victim in a sex trafficking case who was scheduled to testify against her fiance has been found dead.

The Sun Journal reports Assistant District Attorney Nathan Walsh says he will dismiss the felony sex trafficking charge filed against 36-year-old Martin Gerding following the woman’s death.

Walsh says he was told by Maine State police Monday that the body of the 38-year-old woman was found in Oxford County.

The Office of the Chief Medical examiner is working to determine the woman’s cause of death.

Walsh says Gerding will still face felony charges of violating bail. He says the charges stem from Gerding’s alleged contact with the victim before the trial.

Walsh says prosecutors will review the evidence in the case before filing additional charges.

Latest Headlines

8 hours ago in Local

Police Looking for Missing Washington County Teen

The Washington County Sheriff's Office are looking for 16-year-old Lilyanna Rose Cook, who was last seen in Roque Bluffs, Maine.

19 hours ago in Local

Struck-down Maine citizen’s referendum on super PAC donations heads to appeals court

Despite getting over 75% of the vote, a Portland judge deemed the referendum unconstitutional this past summer, citing the ruling made by the Supreme Court on the 2010 Citizen's United case.

1 day ago in Local

Police find missing teen after vehicle pursuit in Skowhegan

A missing teenager was found in the vehicle of a Norridgewock man who police say led them on a chase in Skowhegan on Thursday.

1 day ago in Local

Maine State Police seeking information about bank fraud suspect in Aroostook County and Bangor

A woman is wanted for bank fraud in Bangor and Aroostook County.

2 days ago in Local

What to Know About Maine U.S. Senate Race

Democrats are hoping to unseat Republican Susan Collins.