Employee collecting urine sample for Maine DHHS charged with kidnapping, assault

Ellsworth Police Arrest Orrington Man in Alleged Sexual Assault During Drug Test

Ellsworth, Maine – Police in Ellsworth arrested a resident of Orrington on Thursday, September 9, after a woman reported that the suspect had restrained her and groped her while collecting a urine sample for a drug test.

The arrest came at a local police station in Ellsworth, where officers received the complaint from the woman, who identified herself as a client of the testing facility. According to an Ellsworth Police Department statement, the suspect had approached her under the pretext of performing a routine drug screen and then physically restrained her. During the encounter, the officer who was present testified that the man “groped the woman in a manner that was not part of the testing procedure.”

Police responded to the incident promptly and apprehended the suspect, who was taken into custody at the station. The suspect, a 32‑year‑old male from Orrington, is being held on charges that, per the department, are pending further investigation.

The woman, who declined to provide a name, said she felt “terrified” when the suspect began to physically restrain her. She stated that she was a patient of the testing facility and had no knowledge of any misconduct until the incident occurred.

Ellsworth Police Chief Mark Thompson said the department takes allegations of sexual assault very seriously and that the suspect will be processed in accordance with state law. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals who interact with law‑enforcement or public‑service professionals,” Thompson told reporters. “An investigation is ongoing, and any person who engages in violent or non‑consensual conduct will be prosecuted.”

No injuries were reported, and the suspect’s lawyer has not yet issued a statement. The case is expected to be referred to the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office for further review and possible charging decisions.

The incident has prompted calls from local advocacy groups for clearer guidelines on how drug‑testing personnel should conduct their work, especially regarding personal boundaries and consent. In response, the Ellsworth Police Department has announced plans to review its protocols and provide additional training for officers on handling similar situations.