WALLAGRASS – Bonnie Lamarre, the former Wallagrass town manager who resigned her position last month after she was charged with theft of municipal funds, made her initial appearance in Aroostook County Superior Court on Thursday.

Lamarre, 49, was released on $10,000 unsecured bail bond to reappear in Superior Court on May 18.

Justice E. Allen Hunter told her she was not expected to enter a plea to the charge of theft, a Class B crime. The May 18 hearing was called a status conference.

She also was told she may be indicted by the Aroostook County grand jury, which meets in early May, before her next scheduled appearance in court.

Lamarre qualified for a court-appointed attorney in the case. She filed an affidavit claiming she had $475 in assets and a monthly veterans benefit of less than $600. The attorney was not named in court Thursday.

While out on bond, Lamarre may not have contact with any employees of Wallagrass nor be anywhere near the town office or on any town property. She also may not use any town property she may have in her possession.

Lamarre was accompanied in court Thursday by seven people, family members and friends.

The hearing took about 10 minutes.

Police have said that more than $100,000 of town money is missing. The actual allegation claims Lamarre committed theft by obtaining and exercising control over money that was the property of the town, more than $10,000.

Lamarre was summoned to appear in court on the charge on Feb. 17 by Fort Kent police Chief Kenneth Michaud.

The Wallagrass Board of Selectmen accepted her resignation after an emergency meeting and executive session Feb. 18.

Michaud has said he was looking into the theft of more than $100,000 from the town of Wallagrass.

Lamarre had been town manager of the small town of 560 people, just south of Fort Kent, since late 1999. Because the town is small, Lamarre also served as tax collector, treasurer, clerk, registrar, overseer of the poor, and E-911 addressing officer.

The town has an annual tax commitment of $347,000, and a total budget of approximately $450,000.

This week it was announced that Wallagrass will hold a special town meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at the Wallagrass Elementary School.

First Selectman James Gagnon said selectmen will be seeking an interim two-month budget.

He said that will give the town the time it needs to see what its financial condition is. A regular town meeting will be called at a later date, the official said.