Attorney General Frey Files Civil Rights Action in Cumberland County

July 31, 2020

AUGUSTA - Attorney General Aaron Frey announced today that he has filed a civil complaint under the Maine Civil Rights Act in Cumberland County Superior Court against Michael Roylos, age 63, of Portland, for using and threatening violence against a 38-year-old lesbian woman in Portland, Maine on July 3, 2020. The complaint requests the court to order that Roylos have no contact with the victim or her family and commit no future violations of the Maine Civil Rights Act.

According to the State's complaint, on July 3, 2020, the victim was pulling into the parking lot at Shaws Supermarket at the Northgate Shopping Center in Portland. Roylos, who was walking to his car, accused the victim of driving too fast in the parking lot. He then called her an "[expletive] [homophobic slur]." The victim replied, Excuse me? Roylos responded, You heard me you [expletive] [homophobic slur]. When the victim attempted to record Roylos with her cell phone, he physically assaulted her. As he assaulted the victim, Roylos continued to call her a [homophobic slur]. The victim was able to extricate herself from Royloss grasp and run towards a vehicle with a female driver in it, where bystanders came to her aid. Royloss threats and assault have cause the victim to fear for her safety.

Attorney General Frey stated: "It is appalling and egregious that any person would engage in violence or threats of violence based on homophobia. My office will not tolerate bias-motivated violence or threats of violence against members of the LBGTQ community."

The Maine Civil Rights Act was enacted in 1992 and prohibits the use of violence, the threat of violence or property damage against any person motivated by that persons race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation. Any violation of an injunctive order under the act is a Class D crime, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The Attorney Generals Office would like to thank the Portland Police Department for the investigation of this case and the referral to the Attorney General for enforcement under the Maine Civil Rights Act.

Supporting documents

Roylos Complaint