Lawyers for Brandon Smith and Renee Monteiro, both 25, of Alna expect their clients to plead guilty September 20 to charges in connection with the April mugging of Boothbay Harbor artist Kathleen Billis.

Smith's lawyer William Avantaggio confirmed his client’s intentions September 12, in a Portland courtroom where Smith and Monteiro had been scheduled to appear. However, due to a paperwork issue in the Unified Criminal Court, they were still back at Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset, a court clerk said.

Monteiro's lawyer Harris Mattson confirmed September 13 that he expects Monteiro to plead guilty and receive “some jail time” at the rescheduled hearing September 20. A Cumberland County grand jury indicted her on a felony theft charge, but she will plead to a lesser charge, Mattson said.

Smith will plead guilty to both of the original charges, robbery and aggravated assault, Avantaggio said. He declined to say what Smith's sentence might be.

Billis has said she was loading groceries into her car April 5 at Trader Joe's in Portland when she was pulled to the ground and her purse was taken. Her injuries required a complete shoulder replacement and a week at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta, followed by physical therapy. 

Billis was at the courthouse September 12 to speak during the sentencing portion of the hearing. The delay was disappointing and frustrating, she said.

“I feel like it’s typical of government,” Billis said. “I am very disappointed. I came here to speak my piece, and it was all for naught.”

Billis said she felt badly for her neighbor who had taken the time to accompany her, and for the prosecutor. Assistant District Attorney Tracy Gorham has been very helpful to her throughout the case, she said.

Billis plans to return to speak at the hearing now set for September 20 at 2 p.m.

Gorham declined to comment on the cases. Avantaggio said postponements due to transport issues are “not very common, but it happens.” 

Another man has also been charged in the Billis case. Douglas Schneider, 24, of Exeter, N.H., is charged with robbery and aggravated assault. Jury selection for Schneider's trial is set for September 24.

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