PARIS – A 38-year-old Upton man accused of briefly taking hostages over the weekend was released from jail Monday, after his initial appearance in the Oxford County Superior Court.

Charles E. Lavallee of 295 Thistle St., which is Route 26, appeared before Justice Robert Crowley on charges of criminal threatening and reckless conduct, both Class C felonies. He was released on personal recognizance bail.

“Personal recognizance is acceptable,” Assistant District Attorney Joe O’Connor said when Crowley asked if there was an agreement on bail. “We would request some conditions.”

Lavallee was ordered to not use or possess alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms, or dangerous weapons. He must also have no contact with the three men, ages 32, 37 and 40, who he is accused of threatening.

According to an affidavit by Trooper Chris Cookson of the Maine State Police, the men accused Lavallee of pointing a 9 mm handgun at them and threatening to kill them during an argument over money. They said Lavallee led them outside and fired six or seven shots over Route 26 before one of the men was able to disarm him.

The affidavit states that one of the men had been living with Lavallee and that the other two men were helping him move out. They said Lavalle was intoxicated and demanded $150 for rent.

After he was arrested by police, Lavalle disputed the men’s account. According to the affidavit, he said the men asked him how much they owed Lavalle, and they became angry after he suggested $150. He claimed that he fired the gun in an attempt to scare the men off and was then attacked by them.

Police recovered several spent cartridges and three rifles from the residence.

After the incident, Lavalle was summoned at the jail for criminal threatening, kidnapping and aggravated reckless conduct, according to the affidavit. Prior to his release, he was being held on $50,000 cash or $150,000 surety bail.