Local fugitives arrested in month-long police sweep

Joseph Denbow Sr. Photo:

Joseph Denbow Sr.

Robert Johnson Photo:

Robert Johnson

AREA — A month-long state police sweep of southern Maine produced 112 arrests for individuals with outstanding warrants, including two from the area.

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, the arrests occurred in Oxford, Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties, and resulted in 183 charges, including 44 felonies.

"State Police assigned four troopers to the effort to locate the fugitives and additional troopers were utilized to make the arrests," reads the release. "A number of persons had outstanding warrants for drug possession, firearms possession , and probation and bail violations. Troopers also recovered a stolen automobile and found a marijuana-growing operation during the month-long effort."

Joseph Denbow, 45, of South Paris and Robert Johnson, 37, of Fryeburg were among those taken in by troopers.

Denbow had outstanding warrants for Operating after Habitual Offender, Domestic Violence Assault, Terrorizing, and Probation Violation.  Authorities report that Denbow attempted to hide in his basement when police came to his place of residence, but was found and apprehended.

He was imprisoned without bail and has been sentenced to four years in state prison.

Johnson had been wanted by authorities for several months after he had ceased visiting his probation officer. He had been on probation for Burglary and Theft by Receiving Stolen Firearms.

Johnson was brought to the Oxford County Jail, and is now being held in Androscoggin without bail.

"This type of arrest operation is about holding law violators accountable for their actions," said the US Marshal for Maine, Noel March. "The US Marshal Service and State Police take the responsibility seriously of bringing those scofflaws to justice to ensure the integrity of the judicial system."