AUGUSTA — A Pennsylvania couple arrested after a high-speed chase that ended with a vehicle fire and break-in in China have been indicted on several charges.
Jessica Rose Rohwer, 38, was indicted on charges of assault, theft, criminal mischief, criminal trespass and two counts of burglary, and her husband, Robert E. Rohwer, 33, was indicted on charges of eluding an officer, driving to endanger and criminal speed. The charges are all in connection with a Dec. 21, 2017, incident in which police allege the couple engaged in a high-speed chase through Vassalboro, Winslow and China, after which Jessica Rohwer broke into a home and took the keys to a vehicle.
Jessica Rohwer told police she and her husband fled because “people are after them.” Investigators reported finding $38,200 in cash in fanny packs on Jessica Rohwer when she was arrested. She told police they had saved money and were coming to Maine to buy land.
The chase began on Riverside Drive in Vassalboro, according to an affidavit by Deputy Jeffrey Boudreau, of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy said he saw a white Ford Expedition pass him going north at an estimated 100 mph and then almost collide with a southbound vehicle while passing another motorist.
Police broke off the chase twice, and shortly afterward residents on a fire road in China reported a car was on fire and two people fled.
A woman then reportedly broke into a home on Lakeview Drive, and was bleeding.
Jessica Rohwer was arrested there and taken to the hospital for treatment before being taken to Kennebec County jail.
Boudreau wrote that she later told him she and her husband were former methamphetamine addicts but had been clean for eight years.
Robert Rohwer was arrested near Lakeview Drive, and the indictment alleges he was driving during the chase.
An indictment is not a determination of guilt, but it indicates that there is enough evidence to proceed with formal charges and a trial.
Others indicted by a Kennebec County grand jury last week include:
• Ronald James Blaisdell, 42, of Oakland, domestic violence assault, Dec. 1, 2017, in Benton.
• Tavia Ashlyn Chamberlain, 26, of Waterville, unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, cocaine, May 11, 2017, in Waterville; unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, cocaine, June 1, 2017, in Waterville; and unlawful possession of scheduled drugs, heroin, June 2, 2017, in Waterville.
• Michael S. Clough, 49, of Madison, criminal operating under the influence, and operating beyond license condition or restriction, Jan. 14 in Hallowell; and failure to sign a uniform summons and complaint, Jan. 14 in Augusta.
• Emily M. Davis, 25, of Blue Hill, unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, fentanyl, Nov. 29, 2017, in Waterville.
• Dustin L. Degreenia, 28, of Farmingdale, robbery, May 2, 2012, in Augusta.
• Kelli Anne Johnson, 33, of Winslow, aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, fentanyl, Jan. 16 in Waterville; unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, fentanyl, and violating condition of release, Jan. 5 in Waterville; criminal forfeiture, Jan. 31 in Winslow; unlawful furnishing of scheduled drugs, heroin, unlawful possession of scheduled drugs, heroin, and two counts of criminal forfeiture, June 2, 2017 in Waterville.
• Taylah Karczewski, 23, of Augusta, aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, heroin, Nov. 7, 2017, in Waterville; aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, cocaine, Nov. 9, 2017, in Waterville; unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, fentanyl, and criminal forfeiture, Nov. 30, 2017, in Waterville.
• Travis David Lajoy, 43, of Winslow, criminal operating under the influence, Jan. 7 in Winslow.
• Melissa Owens, 35, of Freedom, unlawful trafficking in oxycodone and violation of conditions of release, Aug. 8, 2017, in Benton.
• Elwood Jade Patterson, 48, of Waterville, aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, cocaine, Nov. 21, 2017, in Waterville; aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, cocaine, Nov. 22, 2017, in Waterville; and criminal forfeiture, Dec. 14, 2017, in Waterville.
• Jennifer Piper, also known as Jennifer Nelson, 30, of Gardiner, two counts of unlawful trafficking in heroin, on Jan, 31, 2017, and Feb. 2, 2017, and unlawful trafficking in cocaine base Feb. 2, 2017, all in Augusta.
• Bryan W. Rood, 34, of Albion, criminal operating under the influence and operating beyond license condition or restriction, Feb. 7 in Albion.
• Wilfred J. Roy, 53, of Oakland, operating after revocation, Nov. 13, 2017, in Waterville.
• Corey J. Schutz, 24, of Clinton, unlawful trafficking in cocaine and fentanyl on Jan. 25, 2018 in Waterville; unlawful trafficking in cocaine and fentanyl on Jan. 26, 2018, in Clinton — two of cocaine and two of fentanyl; and four separate counts of criminal forfeiture one each for $2,365, for $714, for $19,722, all cash and a 2007 Nissan Altima, all seized from Schutz in Vassaboro, on Jan. 26, 2018.
• Christopher R. Screen, also known as Chris Green and C-Low, tampering with a witness or informant and violating conditions of release, both Aug. 15, 2017, in Augusta.
• Jennifer Rena Thibeault, 28, of Augusta, theft by unauthorized taking, Dec. 13, 2017, in Waterville.
• Maranda L. Vicnaire, 27, of Jackman, operating after revocation, Dec. 9, 2017, in Clinton.
Keith Edwards — 621-5647
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