Prosecutors: Father destroyed evidence

SKOWHEGAN – Chadd Slimm and Arthur Belanger Jr. went to Belanger’s Madison home immediately after they allegedly shot an Army buddy last fall in a remote camp in Parkman and told Arthur Belanger Sr. what they had done, a Skowhegan prosecutor said in court Wednesday.

The father then took the men’s clothing and shoes and destroyed them, said Somerset County Assistant District Attorney Brent Davis. That act prompted Arthur Belanger Sr.’s appearance in court before Judge Charles LaVerdiere, charged with hindering prosecution.

Belanger, a short, heavy man wearing glasses, clearly answered each of the judge’s procedural questions during his initial appearance in court after his arrest the day before. His wife and daughter, who sobbed throughout the proceeding, watched from the front row.

LaVerdiere explained that the charge is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine, and that he would not accept a plea from Belanger. He told the Madison man that normally he would reappear for a probable cause hearing next month, but that the Somerset County grand jury likely would convene and indict him before then, making the hearing unnecessary.

Belanger was arrested around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at his Madison home.

His son, Arthur Belanger Jr., 21, and Slimm, 20, are charged with the murder of Brian Vines, 23, of Kentucky, who was found dead with four gunshot wounds at the Parkman camp.

The two are also charged with elevated aggravated assault and attempted murder for beating Michael Giles, also of Kentucky, who had come to Maine to investigate Vines’ death. State prosecutors have accused the men of plotting to kill Giles because he had seen Vines’ body and knew too much about the killing.

Vines, Giles and Belanger Jr. were in the military together at Fort Campbell, Ky., and recently had been discharged. Vines allegedly was murdered when he came to Maine to visit in late September or early October.

Attorney John Alsop, appointed to represent Belanger Sr. for Wednesday’s court appearance only, said his client is disabled and awaiting back surgery. He said Belanger has no previous criminal record and should not be considered a flight risk. Alsop argued that bail should be reduced to $10,000 single surety and that Belanger should be allowed to post his own property for bail.

Davis, however, said Belanger Sr. “impaired the murder investigation and destroyed evidence.”

Alsop replied that “these facts are significantly disputed.”

Bail was set at $15,000 single surety, or $5,000 cash. Belanger Sr. was returned to Somerset County Jail.

Belanger Jr. and Slimm have pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail.