Man allegedly tried to assault Belfast clerk

BELFAST – City police on Thursday were investigating a Northport man who was arrested after allegedly attempting to sexually assault a store clerk at gunpoint. James A. Moody, 28, of Beech Hill Road was arrested Wednesday night on a charge of attempted gross sexual assault three hours after the 5:19 p.m. incident. He was taken to Waldo County Jail, where bail was set at $15,000 cash. Police Chief Jeffrey Trafton said the incident occurred at a retail business on Searsport Avenue (U.S. Route 1).

Although he declined to provide details of the attack because it remained under investigation, Trafton said Moody allegedly brandished a handgun after entering the business and forced the clerk into a storage room. The woman managed to extricate herself from her assailant and fled.

“Thanks to some good police work and help from the victim we were able to identify the suspect and make an arrest,” Trafton said Thursday.

Trafton said the victim was taken to Waldo County General Hospital for treatment. Detective Michael McFadden is conducting the investigation, Trafton said.