FARMINGTON - A Farmington woman accused of driving drunk and striking two snowmobilers over the weekend remained in the Franklin County jail Monday night.
One of the snowmobilers, Lisa Cerqueira, 20, of Wilton, remained in critical condition at Maine Medical Center in Portland, a nursing supervisor said late Monday night.
District Court Judge Ralph Tucker ordered Sarah M. Forbes, 43, not to drive a motor vehicle under any circumstances, not to use or possess alcohol and to submit to random testing if she makes bail. She must post $2,000 cash or $20,000 worth of real estate to be released.
Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy Sandy Burke charged Forbes with felony aggravated criminal operating under the influence after the sport utility vehicle she was driving struck a snowmobile on routes 2 and 4 in Farmington on Friday night.
The snowmobilers had left the parking lot of Boivin's Harvest House Restaurant, formerly Family Fare Restaurant, and crossed the highway to a trail leading to Chesterville on the opposite side of the road.
One snowmobile had made it across the road but one that off-duty Farmington police officer Rick Billian, 23, of Strong and his fiancee, Cerqueira, were riding on went sideways a bit at the curb at the trail head. Billian got off and grabbed the skis to move it and that's when the accident occurred, Burke said.
Billian received injuries to his foot, lacerations to his leg and contusions to his head, the deputy said.
Cerqueira had multiple injuries including a torn aorta, fractured right femur, several broken ribs and a fractured hip, Burke said. She had surgery over the weekend on her aorta and femur, the deputy added.
Cerqueira was listed in critical condition Monday night at Maine Medical Center in Portland, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Forbes appeared in 12th District District Court on Monday wearing an orange jail suit with her hands and legs secured and glasses perched atop her head.
She told Tucker she didn't have a lawyer but spoke to one and received some free legal advice. She also said she wouldn't be able to afford an attorney and she was given paperwork to fill out to see if she qualified for a court-appointed lawyer.
The charge Forbes faces carries up to a five-year sentence in prison and a $5,000 fine, Tucker said.
Assistant District Attorney James Andrews said in court that Forbes has no criminal record that he knows of and a minor motor vehicle record.
He asked for $2,000 cash bail or $20,000 surety. Andrews also requested conditions that Tucker approved.
The judge set a status conference on the case for 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 25, at Franklin County Superior Court in Farmington.
Posted By:trashman at February 27, 2007 11:34 AM(Suggest Removal) that woman's mugshot and this story should be in a dui ad.I hope Lisa recovers from her injuries.
Posted By:Marilyn at February 27, 2007 12:32 PM(Suggest Removal) My heart is sick for Lisa and Rick. Please keep this story in the forefront, as we NEED to get Drunk drivers off the roads in every state in America. Your pryers are much needed for Lisa and Rick, please keep praying.
With hope,
Rick's Grandmother Marilyn (Mema)
Posted By:sheharleytech at February 27, 2007 10:23 PM(Suggest Removal) For a woman who brags about drinking a quart of Jack Daniels and driving a big rig with no problem,Sarah is now tasting reality.I pray for both Lisa and Rick,God only knows,all our prays are with you.
Posted By:Robert II at February 28, 2007 4:26 AM(Suggest Removal) It's a terrible accident. But, what was the snowmobilers' alcohol level? It happened at night, was the snowmobile running with lights on? Last I knew roadway traffic has the right-of-way, not off-road motorized vehicles whether they be golf-carts, dune buggys, or motorized sleds. While one sled was lucky enough to scoot across, why did the other "miss" the trail entry? Looks to me like the snowmobile caused the accident and the car had the legal right of way. Is alcohol served at that restaurant? Routes 2 & 4 are not a quiet country road. That's why it has TWO route numbers and not just a street name. If the sled driver had been capable, he/she would not have missed the entry upon crossing. BUT, cops no matter how young, never make mistakes. Right. And, the president belongs to MENSA.
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