A veteran Maine State Police trooper faces felony charges of tampering with a witness and unlawful sexual contact with a child.

Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, confirmed Monday night that Gregory Vrooman, 45, of Nobleboro was arrested at his home Wednesday by officers from the state Attorney General’s Office, assisted by state police.

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Vrooman, a 24-year veteran of the force, was taken to the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset, where he was released on bail later Wednesday.

McCausland said Vrooman is on administrative leave – he did not know if it is with or without pay – pending the outcome of his case.

District Attorney Geoffrey Rushlau said his staff, under the supervision of the Attorney General’s Office, will prosecute the case.

“People in my office will prosecute the case so that any notion of partiality will be eliminated,” said Rushlau, whose prosecutorial district covers four mostly rural counties where law enforcement and prosecutors often work closely together.

Rushlau said he could not comment on the nature of the charges against Vrooman, but both charges are felonies carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Regarding the charge of unlawful sexual contact, Rushlau would say only that it involves a child.

Rushlau said the allegations against Vrooman will be brought before a grand jury in Lincoln County, which must decide whether to indict him.

Vrooman was arrested without a warrant and released on bail almost immediately afterward. That means the arresting officers most likely will not be required to file an affidavit describing the circumstances that led to the charges against him, Rushlau said.

Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at: [email protected]

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