UNITY -- Local resident Lee Maheu was arrested Tuesday on charges of providing an incorrect name, address and date of birth, Chief Deputy Robert Keating of the Waldo County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Maheu, 45, was wanted on two warrants out of Waterville District Court, Keating said.

Deputy Gerry Lincoln made the arrest with the help of a photo sent by Waterville police, Keating said.

Keating said that Maheu had filed a theft complaint to police on Nov. 9, stating that his roommate had moved out of their 126 Main Street residence and stolen things.

But when Lincoln responded, Maheu spelled his name "Maheux," and gave a birth date of Feb. 7, 1960, Keating said.

"Deputy Lincoln ran his name but nothing materialized, so he ran different spellings and came up with Lee Maheu, date of birth 1963," Keating said.

Lincoln discovered the Waterville warrants and contacted Waterville police while Lincoln returned home, Keating said.

Waterville police provided Lincoln with a photograph that matched the man's appearance, Keating said.

Keating said Lincoln returned to Maheu's residence and asked him to repeat his name and date of birth. Maheu repeated the same false information but after Lincoln showed him the photo, he admitted to his real identity, Keating said.

"It was some tenacious work on the part of the deputy, not taking this guy's word for granted," Keating said.

Larry Grard -- 861-9239

lgrard@centralmaine.com