Attorney General files civil rights complaint in response to Bangor vandalism

September 17, 2021

AUGUSTA - Attorney General Aaron M. Frey announced today that he has filed a complaint under the Maine Civil Rights Act in the Penobscot County Superior Court against Amira Ventucci and Kendra Henderson, both age 15, of Bangor, Maine. The Complaint alleges that on the night of August 20, 2021, Ventucci and Henderson spray-painted racial epithets and threats on the personal vehicle of Tahmoor Khan of Bangor, based on their bias against his race or color. The Complaint requests an order prohibiting Ventucci and Henderson from having any contact with Tahmoor Khan and from violating the Maine Civil Rights Act in the future.

Frey said, "It is unconscionable when we learn that an individual is subjected to threats of violence or property damage based on the color of their skin. The egregious racist messages on the vehicle victimize not only the property owner, but all people of color in the Bangor community and across the state."

The Maine Civil Rights Act authorizes the Attorney General to bring an action against any person who uses physical force or violence, the threat of physical force or violence, property damage or the threat of property damage against another person motivated by bias against the other person's race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation. A knowing violation of an order issued under the Civil Rights Act is a Class D crime punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The complaint is attached.

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Supporting documents

Complaint