1 month ago in Local Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio
Maine’s Capitol Police Chief has retired after facing criticism over social media posts earlier this year.
Maine’s Department of Public Safety announced Friday that Russell Gauvin’s retirement was effective that day, as a result of an agreement between Gauvin and the department. He had served in the position for fifteen years.
The department said Gauvin’s retirement follows a review of his social media use in January. He had come under fire for posts that supported conspiracy theories about the election and mask-wearing. The review will remain confidential.
Lieutenant Robert Elliot has been temporarily leading the Capitol Police and will continue to do so until a permanent replacement is named.
Maine Capitol Police chief steps down after outcry over social media posts
Russell Gauvin retires effective Friday under the terms of a separation agreement.
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Maine Capitol Police Chief Russell Gauvin, who has been on leave for more than three months pending an investigation into controversial comments and posts he made on social media, will not return to his post.
Instead, Gauvin announced his retirement Friday after reaching a separation agreement with the state. Under the agreement, Gauvin will resign in good standing from his position. He will receive $67,642.12 in severance pay and $19,702.80 for accrued unused leave.
Russell Gauvin, photographed shortly after he was hired as Capitol Police chief in 2006.
“The Maine Capitol Police serves an incredibly important role in the security of our state capitol,” Sauschuck said in Friday s release. “I appreciate Chief Gauvin’s 15 years of faithful service to the State, and we look forward to selecting a successor to lead this agency into the future.
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Gauvin s attorney, Brett Baber of Lanham Blackwell & Baber, released a full statement from Gauvin Friday.
“In response to the State s announcement today that I will be retiring effective today, April 30, 2021, I take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the Maine Capitol Police for their support, assistance and friendship during my tenure as Chief over the past 15 years.
Chief of Maine Capitol Police retires following social media investigation Griffin Stockford, Zach Blanchard
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Under the terms of a separation agreement, Lt. Robert Elliot, a 33-year veteran of the force, will continue to serve as interim police chief until a replacement is found, Maine Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Shannon Moss said in a release.
As part of the agreement, the state will pay Gauvin $87,000 in severance pay and unused time off. Gauvin will resign in good standing, according to the agreement, but cannot reapply for any job with the department.
Gauvin will still receive his pension, according to Moss..
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