07/25/2026
My office rarely makes statements about active cases. We never want to be accused of trying to prejudice the outcome of a criminal matter at trial, and every prosecutor takes seriously the presumption of innocence of those we accuse of committing a crime.
Due to some understandable public concern about a particular case, I think it's appropriate to discuss those concerns in general without getting into the details of any given case.
On Monday, I read a piece in The Guardian about extraordinarily offensive and demeaning conduct allegedly being perpetrated by some men against unsuspecting victims, apparently encouraged via social media. The story featured cases out of Texas. (Link below). On Monday, we had not seen such a case here in Cumberland County.
Yesterday one of our prosecutors alerted me that an online video indicated a very disturbing alleged incident in Portland. He reached out to the Portland Police Department to make sure a full investigation was underway. In reviewing the case, several of us noted that we do not have a statute responding to conduct alleging an assault with alleged bodily fluids. No provision under Maine's current S*x Assault statute applies. We charged the alleged perpetrator with what we could: Assault, a Class D misdemeanor.
Other states have statutes that are on point with more significant consequences (see link, below). Maine simply does not. I began contacting legislators Thursday night to gauge their support to consider this in the upcoming session. I can safely say that there is some strong interest, and I will be working to make sure this is put before them. Conduct such as that in The Guardian's coverage is traumatic and completely unacceptable, and it's vital to take steps to prevent this bizarre and awful fad from spreading.
With respect to prevention, a warning:
1. In Maine, our existing misdemeanor Assault statute covers a very broad scale of potential criminal conduct. It also covers a broad range of penalties, including up to 364 days in jail;
2. Online dares to demean victims are not merely internet fodder without consequences. When this despicable behavior occurs and we are provided with evidence of a criminal violation, I am more than ready to prosecute, and to ask the Court for appropriate consequences;
3. Want to avoid criminal charges and serious consequences for doing something demeaning and stupid?
Don't do it.
I appreciate the many expressions of community concern about these allegations that were brought to my attention since yesterday. I'll keep folks posted as to the status of legislative efforts, and hope you will stay engaged.
