Hermon Woman Charged in Fatal Topsham Crash

Lacey Wiles faces manslaughter, OUI charges after October collision killed passenger

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 26-year-old woman from Hermon, Maine has been charged with manslaughter and operating under the influence after a fatal car crash in Topsham last October that killed her 23-year-old passenger and seriously injured the driver of the other vehicle involved.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing dangerous driving behaviors and ensuring public safety on local roads.

The details

According to police, on October 4th around 10:40 PM, Lacey Wiles was driving her car on Route 196 near the Merrymeeting Bridge when her vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with another car. Wiles' passenger, 23-year-old Marcus Steinman of Topsham, was killed in the crash. The driver of the other car, 34-year-old Joseph Lemont of Bowdoin, was also seriously injured.

  • The fatal crash occurred on October 4, 2026 around 10:40 PM.
  • On February 13, 2026, a Sagadahoc County grand jury indicted Wiles on several charges related to the crash.

The players

Lacey Wiles

A 26-year-old woman from Hermon, Maine who has been charged with manslaughter and operating under the influence in relation to the fatal October 2026 crash.

Marcus Steinman

The 23-year-old passenger of Wiles' vehicle who was killed in the October 2026 crash.

Joseph Lemont

The 34-year-old driver of the other vehicle involved in the October 2026 crash, who was seriously injured.

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What they’re saying

“The Topsham Police Department continues to express its condolences to everyone that has been both directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy.”

— Marc Hagan, Topsham Chief of Police (Press Herald)

What’s next

Wiles is being held on $50,000 cash bail at the Penobscot County Jail. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating human toll of impaired driving and the urgent need for communities to strengthen enforcement, education, and support systems to prevent such senseless loss of life on local roads.