DEXTER, Maine (AP) Most funds earmarked for a Maine domestic violence program went to day-to-day jail operations instead.
The Bangor Daily News reports just $10,000 of $36,000 raised through a Dexter 5K race and matching state funds went to purchase electronic tracking devices meant to protect domestic violence victims.
In 2012, former Gov. Paul LePage accepted a check for $18,000 in race proceeds. The race was in memory of Amy Lake and her two children, who were killed by Lake’s husband in 2011.
The Board of Corrections distributed $10,000 among three counties for electronic monitoring pilot programs, but the remainder was absorbed by the County Jail Operations Fund when the board was eliminated.
A former LePage aide called the report “absolutely ridiculous” and that LePage followed statutory requirements by giving the money to the board.
