By Lisa Williams Ackley

Staff Writer

A 43-year-old local man, who volunteers as a coach for the Bridgton Recreation Department and as a member of the Bridgton Fire Department, has been suspended from his duties by both organizations, following his arrest Monday on an alleged Class B felony charge of gross sexual assault.

Charles M. Robbins, of Pond Road in Bridgton, who was arrested without incident at his home Sept. 26 by Bridgton Police Investigator Brad Gaumont, was also charged with a misdemeanor Class D charge of unlawful sexual touching, according to Bridgton Chief of Police Kevin L. Schofield Wednesday morning.

Asked if the alleged victim is under or over the age of 14, Chief Schofield declined to confirm any information at all about the alleged victim, at this time.

When asked if Robbins has a criminal history of any kind, Chief Schofield said, “I’m unaware of his previous criminal history, at this time.”

“The arrest stems from an incident that had occurred in the Town of Bridgton during the month of August,” Chief Schofield said of the alleged charges brought against Robbins. “At this point in time, the investigation is ongoing and evolving.”

Chief Schofield said he encourages anyone with information pertinent to the investigation to call Investigator Gaumont at 647-8814.

Georgiann Fleck, the Town of Bridgton’s Public Information Officer, issued this press release Sept. 28, which states, “As a result of recent events, the Bridgton Fire and Bridgton Recreation Departments have had to suspend Mr. Charles Robbins from all Department activities and events, until further notice. In taking this action, Recreation Director Thomas Tash indicated that his primary concern was to maintain the trust and integrity of the Department’s programs, volunteers and participants and the ongoing relationships that make the Department successful.”

“This is never an easy decision to make and I believe that it is for the best reasons,” said Recreation Department Director Tash. “Our discussions lead me to believe that, until these issues have been resolved, his (Robbins’) voluntary efforts with the Departments need to be suspended.”

Bridgton Fire Chief Glen Garland “echoed the same thoughts and concerns,” Fleck said, in the Sept 28 press release.