Police: Maine man bilked city homeowner of $11G after he paid upfront for siding job

Michael Sabine (Strafford County Jail photo)

ROCHESTER - A Shapleigh, Maine, man is facing up to 15 years in prison for allegedly bilking a Rochester man out of $11,000 he paid upfront for a house siding job that was never done.

Michael Sabine, 40, of 73 Simon Rickor Road, Shapleigh, was arrested at Strafford County Jail on Tuesday after being picked up as a fugitive from justice by Sanford Police at a Sanford drugstore Thursday.

Sanford police listed his home address as 3 Hanson Ridge Road, Sanford

Rochester Police first got involved in the case in early November when they began an investigation after a Willey Street resident complained to police he had signed a contract in May 2017 to have Sabine put new siding on their house, Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said on Wednesday.

"They paid Sabine $11,000 to get the project started (and) Sabine never did the work," Thomas said.

The warrant for Sabine's arrest on a theft by deception charge was signed on Dec. 15.

After Sabine was picked up by Sanford Police he was transported to York County Jail before being transferred to Strafford County Jail.

He was released on $3,500 personal recognizance bail with an arraignment later this month.