Belfast police arrest convicted sex offender

BELFAST – Wayne Conary, a convicted sex offender that had eluded city police for a week, has been arrested.

Police Chief Jeffrey Trafton said Wednesday that Conary, 48, of Spring Street, was arrested at his residence without incident Tuesday evening. Trafton said police were notified of Conary’s whereabouts by members of the public who were exposed to reports about him in the press or learned about the case on the television news.

“I’m a big believer in partnership with the public through the media, you reach so many people,” Trafton said Wednesday. “America’s Most Wanted has shown that criminals can’t hide from the public.”

Once alerted to Conary’s whereabouts, Sgt. Walter Corey went to his residence, placed him under arrest and booked him at the Waldo County Jail.

Conary was convicted of unlawful sexual conduct in 2003 and was sentenced to two years in jail with all but 60 days suspended and two years probation. He was arrested in 2004 for violating his probation and returned to jail. Both crimes involved boys under the age of 16. Conary has been living in Belfast since last summer.