Former Maine law enforcement officer accused of polygraph misconduct

Former Bridgton Officer Arrested for Alleged Polygraph Misconduct

Regan Goan, a 51‑year‑old former Bridgton police officer who is now a deputy with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, was taken into custody Friday on charges related to his work as a polygraph examiner. The sheriff’s office released a statement confirming that Goan faces several misdemeanor counts, including unsworn falsification, violation of the Maine Polygraph Examiners Act, and multiple counts of tampering with public records or information.

The arrest came after investigators determined that Goan had allegedly performed polygraph examinations in a manner that did not comply with state regulations. The Maine Polygraph Examiners Act sets standards for the use of polygraphs in employment and criminal investigations, requiring examiners to maintain accurate records and to conduct tests in accordance with established protocols. The alleged violations suggest that Goan may have falsified or misrepresented polygraph results, or otherwise altered official documents related to those examinations.

After the arrest, Goan was booked into the Cumberland County Jail. He was released on bail pending an arraignment that is scheduled for next month. The sheriff’s office has stated that all the charges are misdemeanors and that the case will be handled within the normal county legal framework.

Goan’s record with the sheriff’s office includes a prior stint with the Bridgton Police Department, where he served as a sworn officer before joining the county’s law enforcement team. The sheriff’s office has not yet issued a statement on the outcome of the investigation beyond the initial release of the arrest details.

The case underscores the importance of strict adherence to procedural standards in the administration of polygraph examinations—an area where accuracy and integrity are critical to maintaining public trust. The outcome of Goan’s arraignment next month will determine whether the charges are pursued further or dismissed.