AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine's highest court has ruled that a man who lived as a hermit in the woods for nearly three decades won't have to pay restitution to state police.
State police were seeking $1,125 from 50-year-old Christopher Knight for repairs to a gravel road damaged in 2013 when they used it to remove items from his campsite.
The Kennebec Journal (http://bit.ly/2b5WCyT ) reports the Maine Supreme Judicial Court's decision issued on Thursday agreed with Knight's lawyer that Knight isn't responsible for the money.
A state lawyer had argued criminals should bear the financial burden related to investigations.
Dubbed the North Pond Hermit, Knight stole food, clothing and camping gear from homes or 27 years. He pleaded guilty and served jail time before completing a court program in 2013. He remains on probation.
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Information from: Kennebec Journal, http://www.kjonline.com/
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