November 09, 2024
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Accused molester released on bail

BANGOR – A 62-year-old Bangor man accused of engaging in sexual acts with two local boys was released on a $1,000 cash bond Monday from Penobscot County Jail.

Thomas Hart also was arraigned on two counts of gross sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor on Tuesday before Justice Andrew Mead. Hart pleaded not guilty to all charges.

No trial date has been set.

Hart had been in custody since his arrest in August, but managed to collect the $1,000 needed for his release on Monday, according to Penobscot County Deputy District Attorney Michael Roberts.

Hart is accused of molesting the boys, ages 12 and 13, at his Fourth Street apartment.

He was arrested after police were made aware of a series of explicit photographs developed at a local pharmacy.

Roberts said there was nothing preventing Hart from returning to his apartment on Fourth Street, but said his bail conditions order him to have no contact with children.

Gross sexual assault is a Class A crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Sexual exploitation of a minor is a Class B crime with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.


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