State seeks psychiatric evaluation

AUGUSTA — A former Brunswick man accused of adopting another person’s identity and posing as a teacher and a priest told detectives he has been treated for a multiple personality disorder, a state official said Wednesday.

Assistant Attorney General Donald Macomber has filed a motion in Kennebec County Superior Court asking that a psychiatric evaluation be ordered for Maurice Routhier, 57, who is facing forgery charges.

Routhier’s attorney, Stephen O’Donnell, said he hadn’t seen the motion, but would meet with Routhier to decide whether to oppose it.

“It’s somewhat unusual, in my experience, for the state to ask for that. I think they’re assuming we’re going to raise certain defenses, but we haven’t decided what course of action we’re going to pursue,” O’Donnell said.

Routhier remained in the Kennebec County Jail on Wednesday, where he has been held since he was arrested in New Mexico on Nov. 28 and brought back to Maine.

Routhier is charged with forgery for allegedly filing fake applications for teaching credentials in Maine. Using the name James E. Wolfe, Routhier taught science at Gardiner Area High School from 1987-89 and was considered a good teacher who was liked by the staff and students.

Routhier was born in Rumford and grew up in Brunswick. He graduated from Brunswick High School in 1951 and was best remembered by a classmate for his interest in acting. At the school, he belonged to the drama club, glee club and chorus all four years, performing in one-act plays and Christmas pageants. He also was named to the National Honor Society.

“He was the Thespian-type,” recalled a classmate, Peter P. Michaud. “Very, very into the theater.”