Gary's faces scrutiny in wake of drummer's death

Gary's Sports Bar, a longtime Rochester fixture, could facing sanctions in wake of death case. (Courtesy photo)

The chief of the Division of Enforcement of the state Liquor Commission told The Lebanon Voice on Tuesday that an investigation into potential infractions at Gary's Sports Bar the night a Rochester man was fatally injured in an altercation in the tavern's parking lot has begun.

Bang N Jane drummer Jim Unfonak, 44, was taken off life support on Feb. 1 after being declared brain dead Jan. 31 after he was allegedly punched in the head by a Barnstead man who is now facing manslaughter charges.

Eric Langlais, 41, of 31 Lincoln Lane, is alleged to have punched Unfonak in the head using what he described to police as his "knockout" hand, according to a police affidavit. Unfonak fell immediately to the ground unconscious before being rushed to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

While the Liquor Commission has a history of often waiting until the criminal case is resolved, Enforcement Chief James Wilson said it isn't always the case.

"In some incidents we do wait, if it might jeopardize a criminal case," Wilson said. "We tend to follow up after the criminal investigation is completed, except when there is serious injury."

Wilson said the commission's investigation is now in full swing with staff "reviewing reports that we've gotten."

He said there is no specific timetable to have the investigation completed, but once compiled they will make a decision on what to do.

He said his department will be looking at several factors with regard to possible fines and other penalties, including "responsible service of alcohol" and "operating a place in an orderly fashion," violations the longtime sports bar has been tagged with in the past.

Last May they were fined $500 and lost their liquor license for three days for overserving, according to Liquor Commission records.

In December 2011 they were given a verbal warning for a disorderly premise.

The tavern has also been hit with gambling and employee consuming violations, which resulted in fines and license suspension.

Langlais and several of his associates were thrown out of the tavern after an altercation with Unfonak earlier the night of Jan. 30, but according to a police affidavit, they remained in the parking lot spoiling for a fight, one telling a bouncer they wanted a "piece" of Unfonak.

Also charged in the incident are a local man, Forrest Rollins, 42, of Brook St. Rochester, charged with simple assault; and two local women, Mandy Patch, 37, of Old Milton Road, Rochester; and Laurie Henner, 41, of Whitebirch Lane in Farmington.

Patch was charged with one count of simple assault, a Class A misdemeanor and felony riot. She was released on $10,000 personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Strafford County Superior Court.

Henner was charged with one count of felony riot and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. She is also scheduled for arraignment Friday.

Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau said earlier this month that the two women were charged with felony riot for allegedly being part of a group looking to cause trouble and pick a fight.

Patch's simple assault charge was for allegedly hitting a female friend of Unfonak's at the scene.

Rollins was charged with simple assault in connection with an altercation inside Gary's Sports Bar involving Unfonak earlier in the night, a source close to the investigation told The Lebanon Voice. Rochester Police have not confirmed the victim of Rollins' assault was Unfonak, because it is not their policy to name victims.

Langlais faces up to 30 years in prison for manslaughter, while the two women could face up to seven years on the riot charges. Meanwhile, Rollins faces up to a year in jail.

Langlais remains jailed at Strafford County House of Correction on $25,000 cash. His next court hearing is in March.