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Maine attorney general addresses relationship with staffer

Frey said in the statement that his relationship with the subordinate began in August.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has been in a relationship with a worker whom he supervised for months, and he said his delay in disclosing it was an “error in judgment.”

Frey issued a statement late Tuesday in which he said Chief Deputy Attorney General Christopher Taub will supervise the worker moving forward “as this personal relationship continues."

“This is to ensure that we have appropriate boundaries between us. I should have done this once we realized we had feelings for one another. It was an error in judgment and for that I am sorry,” he said.

A spokesperson representing Frey on the matter declined to answer questions from The Associated Press.

Frey, of Bangor, worked in a private legal practice, focusing on matters involving criminal defense and family law, before being elected to serve as attorney general under Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

Frey said that the romantic relationship “has not violated any legal rules, office policy or law” and that his statement suggested there would be no changes other than that his romantic partner will now be supervised by someone else.

Frey said in the statement that his relationship with the subordinate began in August. State workplace harassment policy requires supervisors who become personally involved with a subordinate “to report the relationship to their supervisors so that a change in reporting structure can be considered.”

The attorney general said he “has met and continues to meet all our legal obligations with the same dedication to and respect for the people of Maine.” He asked for privacy regarding “personal matters.”

In a statement issued Wednesday night, a spokesperson for Frey said an internal investigation was conducted last week by Chief Deputy Attorney General Christopher Taub.

"Last week, Chief Deputy Attorney General Christopher Taub conducted an internal investigation and determined that the ongoing, consensual relationship between the Attorney General and his colleague did not breach any laws, rules, or office policy.

"Although this consensual relationship does not violate the Office of the Attorney General’s policies to date, it is clear that the policies of the Office must reflect the high standards the people of Maine rightfully hold for the Office. As such, Attorney General Frey commits to a full, transparent review of all the Office’s policies. He will continue to cooperate and work with Legislative leadership in a bipartisan, transparent, and productive manner to address their concerns and preserve the integrity of the Office of the Attorney General."

The office of Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, released the following statement Wednesday commenting on the attorney general's recent disclosure:

"The Senate President is deeply disappointed to learn about the situation in the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's actions — his lack of transparency and failure to immediately update the reporting structure — reflect poorly on him and the office he holds.

"Though the Attorney General's statement suggests that those steps have now been taken, it's not clear whether or not an independent or internal review is warranted or has been performed.

"Our office will continue to take a closer look at this issue — we want to ensure that the proper steps have since been followed and a clear policy put in place out of respect for the employees, to preserve the office environment and safeguard the integrity of the Office."

Maine Senate Republicans also released a statement on Wednesday:

"We are under no illusions that calling for Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey to resign or face appropriate disciplinary action will result in any consequences. Therefore we ask those responsible for his election, legislative Democrats: How do you intend to hold him accountable?"

A spokesperson for House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross issued this statement Thursday: 

"The Office of the Attorney General must hold itself to the same high standards expected of all branches of state government. Appropriate policies, procedures, and oversight are mandatory, not optional. The speaker of the house will ensure that the operations of the OAG and the actions of the attorney general undergo a thorough and transparent review."

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