Camp Modin, a Jewish summer camp in Belgrade, Maine, has requested an urgent protection order against a neighbor accused of firing approximately 20 shots from a semi-automatic rifle towards the camp's basketball court on August 7. The incident occurred while at least 400 campers, some as young as seven, and staff were present, forcing the camp into lockdown.
According to court documents, the neighbor, identified as 36-year-old Nathan Hewett, allegedly fired the shots following an altercation with camp security guards. The camp owner, Pascal Cohen, claims this was the culmination of several months of belligerent behavior from Hewett, including shining truck lights at people, setting off fireworks, and firing guns towards the property. Security guard Timothy Black stated that Hewett's behavior is particularly hostile when intoxicated, including screaming at security personnel at the property line.
The confrontation on August 7 began when Hewett and his father approached the camp property, reportedly upset about damage to Hewett's tractor lawn mower, which he blamed on the camp. While his father was calmed by security, Nathan Hewett allegedly became enraged. Shortly after the Hewetts left the camp property, security guards reported hearing high-powered rifle fire. Kennebec County Sheriff deputies responded and arrested Hewett.
Hewett faces charges including reckless conduct with a firearm, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, terrorizing with a dangerous weapon, and discharging a firearm near a dwelling. He was initially held on $50,000 bail but has since been released. The camp is now seeking a protection order to prevent further contact and harassment.
Under the conditions of his bail, Hewett is prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of the camp, possessing dangerous weapons, and consuming alcohol. Camp Modin officials also wish to prevent him from contacting their employees.
Police seized 23 firearms, many semi-automatic, from Hewett's property following the incident. A deputy's affidavit noted suspicion of anti-Semitic bias by Hewett and confirmed he was intoxicated on the night of the shooting.
Hewett is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on the protection order on August 31 and to respond to the criminal charges on November 10.
