Alleged Embezzlements “Blow Up” in Bangor!

Bruce Fowle of Bangor was indicted yesterday of two counts of theft by the Penobscot District Attorney Office.  Mr. Fowle is accused of stealing funds from the orginization that sponsors Bangor's Fireworks fund and the Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis Club.

Fowle, possibly, is a certified public accountant. A recent "financial review by members of the two non-profits discovered "fund accountability".

In a press release yesterday, Tony Bernatche, president of the Fourth of July Corporation said, "We are saddened to learn that a fellow volunteer for the Fourth of July Corporation has violated our trust and the trust of our donors and residents of the area, who depend on us for the Independence Day festivies".  According to the press release last year's fireworks display cost $20,000.

If convicted, Fowle could receive 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.  More than likely he would have to pay resitution to both orginizations.

Meanwhile, Ellen F. Wilson, also known as Ellen Gunstone of Bangor, was indicted yesterday by the Penobscot County grand  for allgedly embezzling more than $500,000 from Sprague's Nursery and Garden Center on Union Street in Bangor. She worked as a bookeeper at the nursery.

This is the same women who was convicted nine years ago of stealing more than $200,000 from Maine Energy Inc.  At that time Wilson was sentence to five years in prison with all but nine months suspended, she was also ordered to pay restitution.

If convicted on the new charge, she could receive 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000, and of course restitution to Sprague's