AUGUSTA, Maine - A former Maine corrections officer who prosecutors say shot and wounded another corrections officer in June is facing felony charges and a civil claim from the shooting victim.
Twenty-four-year-old Matthew Benger was in court in Augusta on Monday for an initial appearance of charges of reckless conduct with a firearm. The Kennebec Journal reports that the suit names 33-year-old Matthew Morrison as the victim.
Benger did not enter a plea as the charge is a felony that would have to be presented to a grand jury. A conviction on the charge carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
Benger was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled for a court appearance in September.
His attorney told the judge that he will be discussing civil litigation with Morrison's attorney.