Court appearance postponed for firefighter in sex abuse case

HOULTON – The scheduled appearance in court of a firefighter-emergency medical technician who pleaded not guilty earlier this year to a charge of sexual abuse of a minor was delayed Wednesday after the matter was continued until an unspecified date.

Steven E. Dewitt, 33, had been slated to appear in Aroostook County Superior Court for what is referred to as a docket call. The hearing would have confirmed if Dewitt still wants the jury trial that he requested in June.

The Houlton court is gearing up for a week of trials starting Oct. 24.

A date for a future appearance has not yet been set, Aroostook County Assistant District Attorney Suzanne Lilley said Wednesday.

Dewitt, 33, has been free on personal recognizance bond since denying the charges and requesting a jury trial earlier this year. He is prohibited from having contact with the alleged victim.

The allegation was filed in District Court in Houlton in April, and Dewitt was indicted by the Aroostook County grand jury in May.

The allegation involves a female, listed in court documents as being 14 or 15 at the time of the Oct. 29, 2004, incident.

The charge involves allegations of a sexual act involving Dewitt and the victim. The incident is alleged to have taken place in Oakfield, according to documents filed by the Maine State Police.

The Class C crime carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Dewitt remains on unpaid leave from his job with the municipality, Town Clerk Cathy O’ Leary confirmed Wednesday. He has been an employee since 1999.

Dewitt’s attorney, Robert Ward, declined to comment on the case Wednesday.