Suspect has checkered past with multiple convictions

BRIDGEWATER, Maine (AP) - A suspect in the death of a Maine man has multiple prior criminal convictions.

The Bangor Daily News reports 37-year-old James Peaslee, of Easton, has been charged with murder in the death of 79-year-old Paul Hilenski. Police arrested Peaslee on Thursday after they responded to a call and found Hilenski’s body in his Bridgewater home the previous day.

Peaslee’s lengthy criminal record includes convictions for assault, trafficking and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon. State documents say Peaslee was last incarcerated at the Maine State Prison in Warren in 2014. It’s unclear when he was released.

Police said they would search Hilenski and Peaslee’s homes. An autopsy was planned for Hilenski.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangordailynews.com