It's been over a year since the FBI began an investigation at Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District. On March 26, 2025, the FBI visited the Boothbay Region transfer station, calling the visit a "routine law enforcement matter." In a special meeting, district directors voted to place Station Manager Steve Lewis on unpaid leave.

In an April 8 meeting, directors said "the investigation centered around alleged theft and financial improprieties." 

Lewis was terminated by the district on April 14, 2025. He remains a Boothbay selectman. On April 8, 2026,  the Boothbay Register asked the selectboard why Lewis remained a member. Town Manager Dan Bryer said he received a resident's inquiry shortly after the investigation began. "What do we have to say, 'Steve can't be on the selectboard?' "He hasn't been charged with anything, so there is nothing saying he can't serve."

Selectman Julie Roberts agreed. "Steve hasn't been charged with anything," she said. Selectman Dale Harmon said, "I agree. You are innocent until proven guilty."

The newspaper asked Steve Lewis if he was notified by anyone that he was under investigation by the FBI. He responded, "No." He was later asked "as far as you know, is the investigation centered on the refuse district?"

Lewis said, "I have no idea. I haven't heard from (the refuse district) in well over a year."

In other action, Jonathan and Maureen Fellows received approval for constructing a 6-foot by 50-foot pier, a 3-foot by 40-foot ramp, a 10-foot by 20-foot float and 12-foot by 26-foot float haul. The property is on Tavenner Road. 

Bryer told selectmen the appeals board remanded a case last month back to the planning board. On April 15, the planning board will reconsider Martha and Robert Jacobs' conditional approval to stabilize shoreline and repair a seawall. In March, Nancy and Michael Henderek successfully appealed the decision. The appeals board decided to remand the case back to the planning board for reconsideration.

Bryer also reported the Clifford Park restrooms were open.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 in the conference room.