Maine – This week, a multi-agency law enforcement effort to combat child exploitation was carried out in western and southern Maine.
The Maine State Police worked with Homeland Security Investigations, the Sanford Police Department, the Eliot Police Department, the Kittery Police Department, the Biddeford Police Department, the Fryeburg Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the operation.
Over the course of four days, authorities executed 16 search warrants in various towns, including Lyman, Limington, Hollis, Biddeford, Kittery, Eliot, Arundel, Steep Falls, North Waterboro, Sanford, Fryeburg, Bryant Pond, Hiram, West Paris, Hartford, Norway, and Madison.
The searches revealed the possession, dissemination, and production of child sexual abuse material, as well as the distribution of sexually explicit material to kids and the online coercion of children to create sexual abuse material.
Arrests and Charges
During the operation, two individuals were arrested:
- Shawn Ramsay, 48, of Arundel, was arrested for possession of firearms in violation of a protection from abuse order.
- Benjamin Fecteau, 37, of Eliot, was arrested on two outstanding warrants for failing to appear on charges of Failure to Comply with the Sex Offender Registry, Violation of Conditions of Release, Theft, and Refusing to Submit to Arrest.
Next Steps
The investigations are ongoing, and if finished, they will be forwarded to the relevant district attorney offices or the United States Attorney for evaluation and potential grand jury presentation.
This operation shows Maine law enforcement’s continuous efforts to combat child exploitation and safeguard vulnerable populations. The agencies concerned are still committed to delivering justice for victims and keeping perpetrators accountable.