A New Gloucester man accused of threatening town officials and workers is restricted to communicating with them only by written word for the next year, or for as long as a protection-from-harassment order signed Monday by a Portland judge remains in effect.

Frank Staton Jr., 41, of New Gloucester agreed to abide by terms of the order, which were negotiated by attorneys for him and the town. Staton and town officials appeared Monday morning in Portland District Court with their respective attorneys for a scheduled hearing whether to make a temporary order permanent.

But the attorneys had hammered out an agreement ahead of that hearing. Judge Peter J. Goranitis put into force the agreed-on order after a brief courtroom discussion.

Under the order, Staton is allowed to communicate with New Gloucester employees and selectmen only through email and regular mail and only to discuss town-related business. But Staton “is not permitted to do so in a threatening, harassing abusive or intimidating fashion or in a way that creates a fear of imminent bodily injury or which communicates a threat to commit a crime of violence dangerous to human life,” the order says.

Town officials say Staton has threatened them repeatedly, an accusation Staton has denied, saying he’s not a danger to anyone.

Several people, including animal control officials, selectmen and the town manager, say Staton has made threats and has referred to a “kill list” consisting of names of people who, he says, have wronged him.

If Staton were to violate the terms of the agreement, he may be charged with a Class D crime, punishable by up to 364 days in jail. He also could be held in contempt of court.

The order stipulates that Staton may attend town public meetings and hearings, but he must refrain from the barred behavior agreed to in written communications. Town officials may have him removed from those public appearances if he were to engage in the prohibited conduct.

If Staton wished to meet face to face with a town official or worker, he must put that request in writing at least 24 hours in advance.

He is barred from the private properties of Town Manager Paul First and Steven Libby, chairman of the Board of Selectmen or even the “vicinity” of their homes. He also must stay away from Libby’s business at 162 Lewiston Road. He must not have any direct or indirect contact with them or with their immediate families except under normal circumstances at a town meeting or hearing, the order says.

The list of town officials and workers, including volunteers numbers nearly 50.

According to court documents, Staton was said to have threatened First by making the sign of a pistol with his fingers and pointing it. “This was done after Mr. Staton became quite agitated following a special town meeting.”

The statement continues, with a long list of alleged threats, name-calling and various forms of harassment. On May 12, Staton was said to have sent to an email threatening Libby and all town employees: “Anyone caught on my property,” Staton reportedly wrote, “will be taking their life into their own hands and will pay a price.”

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