AUGUSTA — A group of 75 Maine lawmakers, including eight representing Midcoast towns, signed a letter Monday to Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck calling for Maine’s Capitol Police Chief, Russell Gauvin, to be placed on leave after he allegedly promoted conspiracy theories about the presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter (which can be read in the attached PDF) was signed by Midcoast legislators including Rep. Scott Cuddy, D-Winterport, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Waldo, Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, Rep. Jeffrey Evangelos, I-Friendship, Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, Rep. Ann Matlack, D-St. George, and Rep. Genevieve McDonald, D-Stonington. 

“Chief Gauvin expressed support for conspiracy theories that led to the violent insurrection against the government at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and the death of two police officers,” the letter reads. “His words portray an inability to neutrally provide for the safety of every member of the Legislature.” 

Gauvin made comments on Facebook and the social media platform Parler, allegedly mocking the use of face coverings as a method for controlling the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Bangor Daily News. 

He also allegedly expressed sympathy for a former Maine police officer who called for violence against Black Lives Matter protesters, the BDN reported. 

Regarding the recent presidential election, the BDN reported Gauvin allegedly noted he had “zero confidence” in the outcome of the election. 

The legislators slammed Chief Gauvin’s comments as “reprehensible” while calling his apology “utterly insufficient.” 

“We believe Police Chief Gauvin should be immediately placed on administrative leave while a full and transparent investigation takes place, and next steps are determined,” the letter states. 

Furthermore, the letter states those in public service are held to a higher standard for the comments they publicly make. 

“The words of Police Chief Gauvin made in recent months and reported over several years have diminished our trust in his ability to serve in his current role,” states the letter. “Many of us may never feel safe at the Maine State House facility again so long as Chief Gauvin is in charge of security or a member of the Capitol Police.”