ATTORNEY GENERAL FILES CIVIL RIGHTS CASE IN OLD ORCHARD BEACH ANTI-GAY THREATS

June 29, 2001

JUNE 29, 2001

CONTACT: Christina Hall, Assistant Attorney General 207-626-8800

Attorney General Steven Rowe today announced that his office has filed a civil enforcement action under the Maine Civil Rights Act against Paul Caron, 50, of Old Orchard Beach, as a result of threats made by Caron against another Old Orchard Beach resident because of his perceived sexual orientation.

The complaint, filed in York County Superior Court, alleges that Caron has engaged in a pattern of harassment based on sexual orientation bias, including repeated vulgar verbal abuse over a number of months and a threat to kill the victim.

The Attorney General's complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Caron from any further acts of violence, property damage, or trespass against the victim and others motivated by bias.

Attorney General Rowe stated: "No person in this state should be subject to threats or violence because of prejudice or bias. Our office will work closely with local law enforcement to aggressively enforce the State's civil rights laws."

Attorney General Rowe commended the Old Orchard Beach Police Department for its investigation of the incident. The department referred the case to Rowe's office for possible action under the Maine Civil Rights Act.