Gov. Janet Mills’ campaign has donated campaign contributions she received from Eliot Cutler and his family to the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault following his arrest on child pornography charges, the governor’s spokesperson said in an email Monday.
Cutler — who was charged four counts of possession of sexually explicit material of a minor under 12 on Friday — had given the maximum contribution allowed (two donations of $1,725) to Mills for her reelection campaign. Cutler’s wife Melanie also donated the maximum contribution allowed, according to Mills’ January campaign finance report.
“Like people across Maine, the Governor was stunned and appalled by the news,” Mills campaign spokesperson Alexandra Raposo said. “Exploitation of children — the most innocent and vulnerable among us — is despicable and a fundamental violation of humanity. She hopes that the judicial system will deliver justice and accountability. Contributions from the Cutler family have been donated in full to the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault.”
The Maine GOP called on Mills to return the money on Friday.
Cutler — a two-time independent candidate for governor — has donated to a number of Democratic candidates and causes.
Monday afternoon, the Bangor Daily News reported that U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s campaign gave $1,000 to the Maine Human Trafficking Survivors Fund. Cutler had donated $359 to Golden’s 2018 campaign, the BDN reported.
The staff of US Sen. Angus King was reviewing contributions from Cutler as well, and planned to make donations to a Maine charity, according to the BDN.
Cutler was arrested last week two days after Maine State Police searched his home. The Bangor Daily News reported that during the search, he admitted to police they would find child pornography on his electronic devices, according to Hancock County District Attorney Matthew Foster.
Cutler was bailed out of jail on Saturday, and is due in court on May 3.
