Juvenile charged in fatal accident

CARIBOU – A New Sweden juvenile denied allegations lodged against him in district court Thursday involving the death of a 17-year-old Woodland teen-ager in a car crash last July.

Nathan Anderson, now 17, has been charged with manslaughter and reckless conduct in the death of Evan Parks. Anderson made his initial appearance on the charges in Judge Ronald Daigle’s court, and issued a denial of any criminal wrongdoing, according to Assistant District Attorney Robert Langner. Anderson was summoned on the charges last month after a lengthy investigation by police.

“The offenses involved were very serious,” said Langner. “We did a very thorough investigation, not wanting to let anything slip by.”

Anderson, defended by Attorney Jeff Ashby, will return to court for a prehearing meeting on Friday, Dec. 22, in Caribou District Court.

“My client feels an extraordinary level of remorse,” said Ashby, noting that no decision has been made about contesting the charges in an adjudication hearing or entering a plea agreement in the juvenile case.

The youth was conditionally released in the custody of his parents. He has to continue living with his parents, in their residence, and abide by their rules. He was also forbidden to operate any motor vehicle, including all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.

Anderson was allegedly the driver of a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier that went off Station Road in New Sweden at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 16.

Police, at the time, said the car came over a knoll and the driver lost control. The car crossed the centerline and struck a large tree. Parks died of massive trauma after having to be cut from the vehicle by rescue personnel.

Anderson was treated and released at the Cary Medical Center at Caribou for minor injuries sustained in the crash.