AG Brings Civil Rights Action Against Hallowell Man For Racially Motivated Assault

April 22, 2005

Attorney General Steve Rowe today announced that his office has filed a lawsuit under the Maine Civil Rights Act against Jonathan Fuller, 35, of Hallowell. The AG's suit alleges that the defendant verbally berated Eddie Daniels, 46, of Augusta, while Daniels was playing pool at an Augusta night club on March 19, 2004. The suit alleges that Fuller repeatedly directed racially derogatory comments at Daniels, who is African-American, and his companions. The suit also alleges that Fuller punched Daniels in the eye when Daniels attempted to leave the club, then threw a rock at the windshield of Daniels' car.

The suit seeks to permanently enjoin the defendant from any further threats or acts of violence, property damage, or trespass against the victim or others motivated by bias. Attorney General Rowe said, "Maine must be a place where every person can live without fear of racially-motivated attack." Rowe added "The incidents that Mr. Daniels complained of took place over a year ago, and that makes this case unusual. This case was not originally identified as racially motivated. I commend Mr. Daniels for bringing the facts of this case to our attention and for his determination and effort to make sure that no other Maine resident ever has to go through a similar ordeal."

Attorney General Rowe also commended the Augusta Police Department for its investigation of the incident and for its additional effort after the civil rights implications of this case became clearer. The department referred the case to Rowe's office for this action under the Maine Civil Rights Act.

THOMAS HARNETT, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, 207-626-8897