BELFAST - One of the three men involved in an alcohol-fueled vandalism spree here in August that closed the city pool and damaged several businesses apologized in a letter sent to the city last week.

Damion Saucier, of Belfast, called his actions "wrong and shameful" and said he regretted that the destruction happened.

"I will not make excuses for my actions," he wrote. "I decided to drink, I decided to ransack the city and I will accept any punishment I am given by the court."

Saucier, 19, along with Jacob Denham, 21, and William Hurley, 20, also of Belfast, were arrested and charged with aggrevated criminal mischief after police identified Denham in a store surveillance video buying a bottle of blueberry-flavored vodka that was found the next morning at the bottom of City Park pool, according to a report in the Bangor Daily News.

That morning lifeguard chairs were also found to have been pushed into the pool. Windows were broken and a soda vending machine tipped over at The Spot, the park's concession stand. More broken windows downtown at the Belfast Dance Studio and MacLeod Furniture were determined to have been caused by the young men.

In his letter, Saucier volunteered to work on any upcoming city projects as a way to help make up for the damage. He also acknowledged that the incident might not be easily forgotten.

"I know what I say will not change the opinions of what I have done," he said, "but I do plan to do everything in my power to fix the fear and anger I have caused to the people of my city."

Saucier went on to say he believes the city must provide "something to keep youths entertained," or risk having similar incidents occur in the future. He cited the Game Loft and skate park as places "where teens can go to gain social belonging," but said, in effect, there need to be other options.

To this end, he proposed a small venue for anyone under 21 years old with "a lounge area for doing homework, socializing and possibly media entertainment. A room for games like pool, foosball, air-hockey and arcade games," and also a space for a store to generate revenue to keep the facility open.

"I know the profit is in keeping our beautiful city in tip top shape," he wrote, "and one way to help along the way is to keep our restless youths who couldn't give a care about the beautiful, peaceful environment of Belfast entertained and off the streets where they will cause trouble for themselves and others." 

City Councilor Marina Delune expressed apprciation for the letter at the Council's Oct. 2 meeting. No further action was taken.

Penobscot Bay Pilot reporter Ethan Andrews can be reached at ethanandrews@penbaypilot.com