Man who shot wife charged with violating bail

BANGOR – A LaGrange man who a week ago pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of his wife is expected to appear before a District Court judge today on charges that he violated his bail by using drugs.

Jeremy Hart, 35, was arrested Monday afternoon by Maine State Police after he allegedly tested positive for having drugs in his system that had not been prescribed for him.

He is expected to be held at the Penobscot County Jail until a hearing on the bail violation charge can be scheduled later this month in Penobscot County Superior Court.

After accepting Hart’s plea last week, Superior Court Justice William Anderson added provisions to Hart’s bail conditions that included no drug or alcohol use and search and testing. Hart allegedly tested positive for drug use after those conditions were added.

Efforts to reach Assistant Attorney General Andrew Benson, who is prosecuting the case, were unsuccessful Tuesday.

Defense attorney Stephen Smith of Bangor said that after he sees the evidence, he would consult with his client about how to defend him against the new charge.

Hart pleaded guilty last week to shooting his wife, Kristen Smart Hart, 25, on Nov. 29 at a party in their home where drugs were being used. He was arrested a few days later and charged with murder.

Hart was released in June on $100,000 cash bail posted by his father, Ron Hart, of California.

The plea agreement with Hart calls for Benson to recommend that he serve 15 years in prison for killing his wife. Smith can argue for a lesser sentence.

A sentencing date has not been set, but it most likely will be scheduled for next month.

The murder charge is expected to be dismissed after Hart is sentenced.

jharrison@bangordailynews.net

990-8207