A 67-year-old man was arrested at his Wesley home on April 23 and charged with six counts of gross sexual assault involving a minor.

According to a prepared statement issued by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Duane E. Geel was arrested without incident by sheriff’s deputies on a felony warrant issued by the Machias Unified Court following an extended Sheriff’s Office investigation.

Geel’s bail was set at $100,000 cash, with conditions of no contact with the minor victim or witnesses and no contact with children under the age of 18. Geel remains in custody at the Washington County Jail.

WABI-TV in Bangor and other media sources reported that Geel is a former school bus driver and custodian in AOS 96. Scott Porter, superintendent for AOS 96, told WABI that Geel resigned both positions in 2023. No reason was given.

Anyone having information related to this investigation is encouraged to call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at (207) 255-4422.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. (PS)