One of Maine’s most wanted found in Buckfield closet
BUCKFIELD – In a list of Maine’s most wanted criminal suspects, Charles Small is listed as No. 12. A 36-year-old from the Lewiston area, Small is described as a career thief wanted on a half dozen charges.
State and federal police on Wednesday captured Small at a home on Bryant Road, ending a year-long search for the suspect.
Investigators said Small was hiding in a closet when agents from the Central Maine Violent Crime Task Force, U.S. Marshal’s Service and Maine State Police burst into the home.
He was arrested on a slew of charges, including forgery, fraud, receiving stolen property, theft by deception and misuse of identification.
Police who have been searching for Small said the suspect disappeared after moving out of his home in Gray.
In June, Small’s name and photograph was added to the list of Maine’s most wanted on an internet website. There, he joined two dozen other fugitives, including James “Whitey” Bulger, wanted by the FBI on 18 counts of murder.
Investigators last week searched a home after receiving information Small might be hiding there. The search did not produce the suspect, but police said they learned Small may be staying at the Buckfield home.
Federal agents began watching the home until they determined Small was inside. They stormed the home at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and made the arrest.
On the website www.mainemostwanted.org, Small’s photo will remain among the listings for awhile, police said. But now, the word “captured” in bold red letters will accompany his photograph.
Small remained in police custody Wednesday night without bail. Bulger remained at large in spite of numerous reported sightings in the Rangeley Lakes region.
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