×
Menu
Search

I wish I had retained him sooner, his help has been immeasurable.

Tim

After having a consult with Steve, I quickly realized he was the attorney I needed on my side. His presence in the courtroom is unmatched and his straightforward personality never left me with uncertainty. My family and I are beyond pleased with the work he has done for us.

Chad

Attorney Smith has represented me in the past and I would not hesitate to hire him again if I need an attorney. He is no-nonsense with a lot of experience who tells you like it is and does not waste time or your money. I definitely recommend him.

Pam

I hired Steve after speaking with roughly 4 other attorneys. He didn't mince words, was straight to the point, and told me what to expect. He was spot on. I was happy with the result of my case and while I hope I don't ever need an attorney again, I would most certainly hire Steve to assist me and would recommend him to any family and friends. He isn't flashy, showy or self-praising like some others in the area. Very appreciative of that.

Dan

Steve Smith is a very knowledgeable, straightforward and experienced attorney who is also very easy to work with.

Carol

Home
News
Criminal Defense
Man Accused of Unleashing Bedbugs in City Hall Faces Trial
Share
facebooktwitterLinkedIn

Man Accused of Unleashing Bedbugs in City Hall Faces Trial

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A man who allegedly unleashed a cup full of bedbugs in Augusta City Center in 2017 because the city wasn’t addressing his concerns about his bedbug-infested apartment is scheduled to start trial this month.

Charles Manning, 78, was charged with assault and obstructing government administration when he allegedly released bedbugs in the city’s general assistance office. City officials had to close the building and hire a pest control contractor to contain the bugs, The Portland Press Herald reported.

The trial is scheduled to start on Oct. 18, four years after the alleged act. At least five of Manning’s lawyers withdrew from the case because they said they were unable to work with him.

Manning’s current lawyer, Stephen Smith, said that Manning wants his day in court.

The state tried to settle the case and offered to dismiss the assault charge if Manning agreed to plead guilty to the obstructing government administration charge and pay the city a minor fine, Tyler LeClair, an assistant district attorney for Kennebec County said.

Manning did not take the state’s plea deal, the newspaper said.

If Manning is convicted of the charges, he will serve up to a year in prison and pay a $2,000 fine.

A state prosecutor said a mental health evaluation found Manning to be competent to stand trial.

Source

Trusted Attorneys

On Your Side

When you’ve been charged with a crime, stress and fear overwhelm your daily life. You know you need help, but you’re not sure where to find it. It’s time to contact a trusted Maine criminal defense attorney.

Previous Case Outcomes

Accolades &
Awards

What Our Clients Say

Defending YOUR RIGHTS

For The Outcome You Need

We know that what you really want is an attorney who will help you beat your charges. We also know how to make that happen. We routinely represent clients facing a broad range of charges, from traffic offenses (CDL drivers) to drug crimes and felonies to misdemeanors.

Read on for more information about some of our Practice Areas.

CONTACT US

STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers

Get an answer from a trusted attorney now!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.