FARMINGTON — A justice reduced bail Friday for a Chesterville man accused of firing a shotgun at a truck in mid-January.

Justice Michaela Murphy reduced Dennis Meaney’s bail from $25,000 cash to $15,000 cash or real estate because the aggravated reckless conduct charge he faces will be lowered to reckless conduct with a firearm.

Meaney, 26, is charged with one count of felony aggravated reckless conduct and misdemeanor charges of domestic violence criminal threatening and domestic violence assault.

Meaney’s attorney, Christopher Berryment, asked that Meaney’s bail be reduced to personal recognizance. He argued that what Meaney is accused of doing does not rise to the higher class crime.

Berryment also argued that Meaney has an extremely minor record.

Assistant District Attorney James Andrews pointed out the probable cause in the request for the Maine State Police to get a search warrant.

Meaney fired a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot at the truck driven by a man he believed was his wife’s “paramour,” Andrews said.

“The vehicle showed lead fragments in the tailgate, passenger compartment and windshield,” according to a Maine State Police report.

That no one was injured is “pure luck,” he said.

This type of conduct deserves a higher bail in the interest of public safety, he said. “This is reckless conduct against a person,” Andrews said.

He agreed the conduct didn’t cause serious bodily injury, therefore, the state will bring the lesser charge, he said.

Andrews said Meaney’s record includes two operating under the influence convictions several years ago.

He has no prior domestic assault convictions, he said.

“This is still a serious offense,” Justice Murphy said. She set bail at $15,000 cash or real estate and Maine Pretrial Contract.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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