Strange visitor at courts triggers security sweep, sheriff's investigation [11/24/2005]

By Nate Giarnese

Carroll County Sheriff's deputies swept through the county courthouse on a security check Wednesday, after a man asking to inspect the building put bailiffs on alert.The unusual noontime visitor reportedly toured the three-story Carroll County Courthouse's public places, after telling bailiffs at the first-floor security checkpoint he was there for an official inspection. He later left the building and drove away without incident, sheriffs said.But something about the man's story didn't immediately check out. The sheriff's office ran further checks after his car left the parking lot. A check was conducted on his license plate.Captain Jon Hebert said he is investigating the incident."I will find out the logistics, and find out who's behind it," Hebert said.An average citizen asking to inspect the courthouse would not ordinarily trigger security sweeps and a follow-up investigation, Hebert said.While Hebert would not release what it was about the man's story, or behavior, that prompted the police response, he did say something "piqued our interest.""We would only investigate and look into the matter if there were unanswered questions, or something that piqued our interest," he said. "If I find out it was simply a citizen who was curious and wanted to inspect the courts in our county, then all is fine and good."The bailiffs did a good job, they monitored the individual as he walked around the building," he said. Hebert said the man did not gain access to any restricted areas and left without incident."He walked in and walked out," he said.The brick building, on Route 171 off Route 28 in Ossipee, houses probate, district and superior courtrooms, as well as a secure holding area for prisoners awaiting hearings before a judge.The sheriff's office, which provides court security through its deputies and bailiffs, conducts daily security checks of the entire building. The incident Wednesday prompted greater than usual security measures.