The state’s failing to recruit enough attorneys, some say; others blame prosecutors for filing too many cases. Everyone agrees it’s a crisis.
Emily Allen
Staff Writer
Emily Allen covers courts for the Portland Press Herald. It's her favorite beat so far — before moving to Maine in 2022, she reported on a wide range of topics for public radio in West Virginia and was the City Hall reporter for the Grand Forks Herald in North Dakota. Emily is not a fan of the cold, but she puts up with Maine's challenging winters because she loves the state's beautiful hiking options ... once the snow has cleared.
Posted inLocal & State, News
High court chief justice says Maine must invest in tech and staff to solve system’s backlog
Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill told lawmakers Wednesday that the courts need more staff and resources. And the courts can’t pay for it without help.
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Posted inLocal & State
Maine man sues Bangor YMCA for allegedly failing to stop sexual abuse in 1970s
Wayne Quimby said he was 13 when his basketball coach sexually assaulted him after practice, 5 years after the coach had been charged with a sex-related crime.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine Trust for Local News asks court to unseal records in lottery winner’s lawsuit
Most documents in a lawsuit the Mega Millions winner filed last fall are under seal, preventing the public from accessing valuable information.
Posted inLocal & State
As problems at Long Creek persist, staffing shortages forced the state to close 2 alternative sites for juveniles
The Maine Department of Corrections tells lawmakers it had to halt operations at 2 homes last year because it couldn’t find enough workers, compounding ongoing issues at the state’s only youth detention facility.
Posted inLocal & State
Woman says Maine’s Mega Millions winner is using lawsuit to pressure her in child custody case
Maine’s biggest lottery winner sued the mother of his child last fall, alleging she violated a non-disclosure agreement to protect his identity. The woman says he’s falsely accusing her in order to get custody of their child.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime
Lawyers say they have limited access to clients at Maine’s lone youth prison
Juvenile defense attorneys say incidents of unrest at Long Creek Youth Development Center have led teens to be held in frequent 23-hour lockdowns.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime
Portland man sentenced to 48 years for killing girlfriend at Acadia
A jury found Raymond Lester guilty of murder in the June 2022 death of Nicole Mokeme after he ran her over with his car and then fled to Mexico.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime
Dennis Dechaine granted April hearing to argue for a new trial in 1988 murder of Sarah Cherry
Dechaine has maintained his innocence ever since a jury convicted him of killing the 12-year-old.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime
State reaches plea deal with suspect in Washington County slaying
Donnell Dana pleaded guilty to hindering apprehension in connection with the 2022 killing of Kimberly Neptune. Prosecutors are dropping a murder charge against him.