CHESTERVILLE – A convicted felon living in Chesterville was arrested Wednesday in connection with the rape and assault of a longtime woman friend.

Douglas Harris, 49, of 209 Adams Road was arrested by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy David Rackliffe Wednesday afternoon after a short investigation.

According to the deputy, a Chesterville woman came to police Tuesday asking how she could get a restraining order against a man who had been bothering her.

“It was obvious there was more going on,” Rackliffe said.

During an interview, the woman said that she had sex against her will several times with Harris, a friend of 30 years who began living with her in October despite her wishes.

The alleged incidents occurred mostly in November and more recently, this past Monday. The woman said she had given into him because she feared Harris would get violent if she did not have sex with him, Rackliffe said.

She also reported that Harris had gotten angry several times, and would kick her dog and killed her two cats.

Harris moved out Dec. 9, and the woman contacted authorities.

That night, Harris was seen through a window in a camper on Adams Road, Rackliffe said. He did not come to the door when police showed up.

The following day, Harris was at a residence down the street from his camper.

He was arrested and charged with felony Class B gross sexual assault, punishable by up to 10 years and a misdemeanor domestic-related assault, punishable by up to 364 days in prison.

He is being held at the Franklin County Detention Center on $5,000 cash/$50,000 surety for the felony charge, and $1,000 cash/$5,000 surety for the misdemeanor. He is not expected to post bail. A court date has not been set.

According to Rackliffe, Harris was convicted of terrorizing with a dangerous weapon in 1984 and four years ago was picked up for possession of a firearm by a felon. He has never held a driver’s license, the deputy added.

Assisting in the investigation was Cpl. Nathan Bean and Detective David St. Laurent and in Wednesday’s arrest, Detective St. Laurent, Sargent Stephen Lowell and Maine State Trooper Scott Stevens.

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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