Legislative Democrats plan to investigate Attorney General Aaron Frey’s relationship with a subordinate staffer.
“The Office of the Attorney General must hold itself to the same high standards expected of all branches of state government,” said Mary Erin Casale, a spokesperson for House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland. “Appropriate policies, procedures, and oversight are mandatory, not optional. The Speaker of the House will ensure that the operations of the OAG and the actions of the Attorney General undergo a thorough and transparent review.”
Aaron Frey, shown in 2018 after being elected Maine attorney general, acknowledged in a written statement Wednesday that he has been in a personal relationship with an employee in his office since last summer. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
A spokesperson for Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, criticized Frey’s delayed disclosure of the relationship that began last summer, citing “his lack of transparency” and adding that his actions “reflect poorly on him and the office he holds.”
A private public relations firm retained by Frey said in a written statement Wednesday that an internal review conducted last week by Chief Deputy Attorney General Christopher Taub concluded Frey did not violate any state law or policies. Frey admitted to “an error in judgment” for not disclosing the relationship sooner in statements to his staff and the media Tuesday night. In addition to disclosing the ongoing relationship, Frey said the employee is now being supervised by Taub.
“Though the Attorney General’s statement suggests that those steps have now been taken, it’s not clear whether or not an independent or internal review is warranted or has been performed,” Jackson spokesperson Christine Kirby said in a written statement.
“Our office will continue to take a closer look at this issue – we want to ensure that the proper steps have since been followed and a clear policy is put in place out of respect for the employees, to preserve the office environment and safeguard the integrity of the Office,” Kirby said.
The attorney general is one of three constitutional officers appointed by the Legislature and it operates under its sexual harassment policy.
Supervisors working in other state agencies are required to immediately report a relationship with a subordinate so “a change in reporting structure can be considered.” But the AG’s office policy does not include any language about relationships between supervisors and subordinates.
Cara Courchesne, whose firm Upstream Strategies has been retained by Frey, a Bangor Democrat, said in a statement that his ongoing relationship with Assistant Attorney General Ariel Gannon is consensual. She said that “it is clear that the policies of the Office must reflect the high standards the people of Maine rightfully hold for the Office.”
“As such, Attorney General Frey commits to a full, transparent review of all the Office’s policies,” Courchesne said. “He will continue to cooperate and work with Legislative leadership in a bipartisan, transparent, and productive manner to address their concerns and preserve the integrity of the Office of the Attorney General.”
Courchesne said Taub did not become Gannon’s supervisor until Tuesday – the day Frey acknowledged the relationship. The internal investigation was launched last week after a formal complaint was filed by someone outside of state government, she said, adding that such investigations are typically overseen by the chief deputy attorney general.
Legislative Republicans have called on Democrats, who hold the majority of seats in the Legislature and elected Frey, to hold the attorney general accountable.
“We are under no illusions that calling for Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey to resign or face appropriate disciplinary action will result in any consequences,” they said in a written statement Wednesday. “Therefore we ask those responsible for his election, legislative Democrats: How do you intend to hold him accountable?”
Frey, a former lawmaker and practicing attorney from Bangor, has been attorney general throughout Gov. Janet Mills’ tenure in office. He was first elected by lawmakers in 2018 and has been reelected twice.
Copy the Story LinkComments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
