Rick Smith is charged with seaman’s manslaughter in connection with the death of a North Carolina man aboard his sailboat in 2015.
Eric Russell
Staff Writer
Eric Russell has been a general assignment reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2012 and has been a journalist in Maine since 2004. Because he doesn’t have a specific geographic or topical area to cover, Eric often is free to roam the state in pursuit of the most interesting stories, whether it’s tackling the big topic of the day or chasing ideas that fall just outside the boundaries of everyday news. His favorite assignments are ones where he can leave the office and meet with people in their homes or their workplaces to talk about their struggles and challenges – and sometimes their triumphs. Or to try and answer complicated questions.
Eric grew up in Southern Maine, went to college at the University of Maine and worked in Bangor for eight years before joining the Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, a school teacher, and two daughters.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Migrant workers at Maine wreath company say labor contractor sexually harassed them
The workers, who made wreaths for Worcester Wreath Co., say they were fired after bringing up their concerns; the company says it no longer works with that contractor.
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Posted inLocal & State
Prosecution lays out case against Camden sailboat captain charged in 2015 death
Rick Smith is accused of negligence in the death of a crew member, David Pontious, who jumped from his boat, Cimarron, in the middle of the Atlantic.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
As Wreaths Across America has grown, so has scrutiny about its practices
The Washington County nonprofit paid $10.3 million last year to its supplier, Worcester Wreath Co.; both entities are run by the same family.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
In 2015, a troubled sailor jumped overboard. Now the boat’s captain is being held responsible
Capt. Rick Smith, who hails from Camden, is on house arrest in the U.S. Virgin Islands awaiting trial for negligence in the death of a crew member.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
LePage subpoenaed in lawsuit claiming stays at Trump hotel in D.C. illegally benefit president
Citing violations to the Constitution, the attorneys general in Maryland and D.C. seek records from Maine’s governor and dozens of government entities that have spent money at Trump International.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Bushes leave legacy of giving and civic engagement in Maine
The 41st president and first lady were generous with their money and time, particularly to the health care communities of Biddeford and Portland.
Posted inElection 2018, Local & State, Politics
Contesting ranked-choice loss, Rep. Poliquin asks judge to order a new election
The Republican representative, who was defeated by Democrat Jared Golden in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, continues to look for ways to invalidate the results.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, Maine Crime, Schools and Education
Midcoast teacher who won a $1 million education prize is sentenced for shoplifting
Nancie Atwell, who was honored in 2015 for her work at the school she founded in Edgecomb, said in court that a previously undiagnosed mental illness contributed to her compulsion to shoplift.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Religion and Values
TV station’s probe of abuse cases adds to scrutiny of former Maine bishop
WKBW in Buffalo reports on how Richard Malone, now the bishop in western New York, dealt with two priests while overseeing the Diocese of Portland.