WATERVILLE — A Winslow man has been sentenced to serve the remainder of his probation in the county jail after his arrest on charges he spray-painted gang graffiti on doors, walls and windows at the George J. Mitchell Elementary School.

Dennis Whitman, 21, will serve 178 days in the Kennebec County Jail, according to District Attorney Evert N. Fowle.

"We asked for the maximum and the judge agreed with us, citing gang activity and the fact that the codefendant was a juvenile." Fowle said. "He was very upset that Dennis Whitman has enlisted the services of a juvenile to assist him."

The judge was John Nivison of Winslow.

Whitman had been on probation for twin domestic violence convictions earlier this year.

Fowle said Whitman was arrested Aug. 22 in connection with the graffiti, allegedly done the previous day. He appeared in Waterville District Court on Friday.

The gang graffiti included "187 Posse," and "Slim was here," according to Fowle.

The 187 is a common gang symbol meaning homicide. It is based on California Penal Code No. 187, for murder.

Stefan Cabana, the day custodian at the Mitchell School, said graffiti was spray painted in gold or yellow over several doors, walls and windows and on a shed behind the building.

The word "Sub" was written on one of the back walls, he said, as was "187 was here."

Fowle said Whitman confessed to the graffiti and implicated the unnamed juvenile.

"He told police the graffiti was gang related and that he did it to let other gangs in the area know of their presence," Fowle said.

"The judge sent the message that he takes a harsh view of quality-of-life crimes in the Waterville area," he said.

Doug Harlow — 861-9244

dharlow@centralmaine.com