PARIS - A man charged with selling prescription painkillers near St. Athanasius and St. John's School remained at the Oxford County Jail on Monday night after an initial appearance in court.

Earl Sweeter Blanchard, 48, of 81 Maine Ave. was arrested Nov. 19 on a charge of Class A aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs and eight counts of acquiring drugs by deception.

According to Gerry Baril, the Maine Drug Enforcement's tri-county supervisor special agent, Blanchard's arrest was based on a six-month investigation. Baril said the MDEA, Oxford County Sheriff's Office and Rumford and Mexico police departments took part in the investigation.

Blanchard is charged with acquiring the prescription painkillers hydrocodone and propoxyphene from multiple health care providers. Baril said he is also suspected of selling the drugs.

Baril said Blanchard was charged in 2004 with acquiring the same drugs by deception. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted acquiring drugs in 2006. Blanchard's bail was reduced to $500 cash or $10,000 surety bail.

Gary Scott Gowen, 32, of 11 Elm Hill Road in Paris also remained behind bars on Monday night. Gowen was arrested Nov. 20 by the MDEA and Paris Police Department on a fugitive from justice charge out of Epping, N.H.

According to Baril, Gowen is wanted on charges of possession of cocaine, reckless operation of a vehicle and refusing to submit to arrest. He was taken into custody without incident.

According to the District Attorney's office, Gowen did not waive extradition at his initial court appearance Nov. 21 and continues to be held without bail. Another hearing has been set for Dec. 18 at the South Paris District Court.