PARIS, Maine — A former Maine sheriff who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations is now accused of sexual assault.
The Sun Journal reports that a pending lawsuit notice against former Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant by a man from Jay contends sexual abuse and harassment began in 1999 and continued through this year. The man is now 38 years old.
According to CBS affiliate WGME, the man has filed a $5 million notice of claim. He also sent the notices to 17 other individuals and agencies, whom he alleges worked together to bring “false charges against him in order to control and intimidate him.”
Through his attorneys, the man declined to comment Wednesday.
[Union rep says Oxford County sheriff solicited at least 2 employees for sex]
Gallant resigned in December after county commissioners concluded he sent a photograph to a female employee of another law enforcement agency showing his exposed genitals.
The commissioners said Gallant sent text messages to a subordinate officer and his female companion that contained indecent photographs of himself and solicited sex acts and nude pictures.
To reach a sexual assault advocate, call the Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Line at 800-871-7741, TTY 888-458-5599. This free and confidential 24-hour service is accessible from anywhere in Maine. Calls are automatically routed to the closest sexual violence service provider.
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