PARIS — Police said a man accused of manufacturing and selling methamphetamine was arrested Tuesday on a charge of attacking a witness who gave evidence against him. 

Rodney Levesque, 35, of Hunts Corner Road in Albany Township, was arrested in Bethel on Aug. 12 by an Oxford County Sheriff’s deputy on charges of tampering with a witness, assault and violation of the conditions of his release. He was transported to the Oxford County Jail in Paris and made an initial court appearance Wednesday. 

Levesque is scheduled to appear in Oxford County Superior Court in Paris on Sept. 3 on charges of drug trafficking, furnishing and possession. Police dismantled two methamphetamine labs in raids across Oxford County in February. 

He pleaded not guilty to the charges in May and was released on $800 bail.

According to an affidavit filed by Maine Drug Enforcement Special Agent Tony Milligan, Levesque attempted to intimidate the state’s witness in the case, Matthew Gordon, from testifying when he and a small group accosted Gordon twice on Saturday.

Gordon entered the Funky Red Barn around 1 a.m. Aug. 9 when Levesque and an unknown number of individuals accosted him inside the small bar in Bethel, the affidavit said. 

Gordon fled to his home, where he was followed in a vehicle by Levesque and a small group about an hour later. Levesque reportedly instructed the others to attack Gordon while he was in his driveway, calling him a “rat” who had tipped off police, the affidavit said.

After a brief skirmish, Gordon reportedly fled into the woods behind a neighbor’s house while the group searched for him. After a while, the group dispersed. 

According to police, Gordon sustained bruises, scrapes and a cut to his jaw. 

Levesque became aware of Gordon’s involvement after he reviewed documents revealing the details of state’s case, according to Milligan.

Police said Levesque was part of a group that manufactured and sold meth, a highly addictive stimulant, throughout the area.

Other suspects who have been arrested include Mico Thompson, 31, of Gilead; Scott Hart, 36, of Albany Township; Joshua Spencer, 28, of Greenwood; Heidi Owens, 24, of Greenwood; and Jole Mills, 38, of Mason Township. 

A judge set Levesque’s bail at $10,000 on Wednesday.

ccrosby@sunjournal.com