Bethel woman faces felony theft charge

SOUTH PARIS — A Bethel woman has pleaded not guilty to felony theft, according to court records.

Lori T. Swain, 63, vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen, entered her plea Nov. 5 in Oxford County Superior Court, records show.

An indictment handed up in August 2021 by an Oxford County grand jury says there was probable cause to believe that between Feb. 28 and Aug. 3, 2018, Swain “did commit theft by obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over money, property of Maureen Swain, of a value more than $10,000, with the intent to deprive Maureen Swain of the property.”

If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

After her plea, Swain was released on her own recognizance pending trial. She is expected back in court in February for a conference on the case.