Houlton man arrested for burning children

  HOULTON, Maine — A Houlton man was arrested Thursday afternoon for reportedly burning two of his children with a cigarette.
Adam T. Maguire, 28, was charged with violating conditions of his release, two counts of domestic violence assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The victims in the case were the suspect’s two male children.
    “It is alleged that Maguire burned both of his sons with a lit cigarette in an attempt to show them pain compliance while meditating,” said Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin. “Burns were located on their upper back and neck areas.”
The alleged acts were committed on Sunday, Nov. 25, at Maguire’s residence on State Street. Police described the burns as being superficial. One of the boys was taken to his family doctor and released. The other was not medically treated, police said.
Maguire disclosed to Houlton Detective Kris Calaman that he has a history of self-mutilation.
Police received a statement from Maguire’s 26-year-old girlfriend, who told police that she and Maguire were showing the two boys meditation techniques. The woman told police they thought meditation would be helpful because one of the children had been diagnosed with ADHD.
“The boys were informed that when you clear your mind, you are no longer susceptible to pain,” Asselin said.
The matter was referred to the Houlton Police Department by the Department of Health and Human Services. The two boys are now in the care of relatives.
Maguire is currently on probation for a December 2008 burglary. Calaman is the investigating officer and the case remains under investigation.