PORTLAND — The Cumberland County district attorney’s office dropped charges last month against two former Deering High School assistant baseball coaches who were accused of furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol.

Communications Director Tamara Getchell of the DA’s office said charges against Michael D’Andrea Jr. were dropped on March 3 due to insufficient evidence, while charges against Christopher Grant were dropped on March 5 because of his cooperation with the investigation. 

The former coaches were charged after photos were posted online reportedly showed DHS baseball players drinking alcohol at a party on June 21, 2008, to celebrate the team’s state championship. The party was hosted by former assistant coach Frank Watson. 

Watson pleaded guilty Feb. 23 to furnishing alcohol to minors and furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail, fined $2,000 and required to perform 50 hours of community service.

Watson’s wife, Kimberly, also pleaded guilty to furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol. She was fined $1,000, but avoided jail time by agreeing to 72 hours of community service through the Cumberland County Jail’s alternative sentencing program. 

Michael D’Andrea Sr., the team’s former head coach, resigned during the investigation, although he was not charged and admitted no wrong-doing. 

Randy Billings can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 100 or rbillings@theforecaster.net.


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