Sex Offender Charged With Assaulting Officer at Aroostook County Jail

A 38-year-old Linneus man, charged with the sexual assault of a minor, faces further charges after allegedly assaulting a corrections officer at the Aroostook County Jail.

Maurice Boyce pleaded guilty last week to 3 counts of gross sexual assault, 3 counts of unlawful sexual contact and one count of sexual abuse of a minor, according to Sheriff Darrell Crandall.

When Boyce was returned to the jail and learned he would not be released on bail, he attempted to slam a heavy cell door on one officer and bit another officer on the forearm, police said. Neither officer was seriously injured.

Sheriff Crandall said in a Facebook post, "Corrections officers have a very challenging job and deserve great credit for the restraint they are expected to show on a daily basis. We will not tolerate assaults–of any kind–on our officers and staff."

The Aroostook County Sheriff's Office says Boyce faces up to 30 years in prison for the sex crimes and another 5 years for assault on an officer.