Donor to file complaint with Maine AG over fund for Lewiston shooting victims
A local donor in Lewiston has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Maine Attorney General’s office over how a fund set up after the June 2023 shooting has been managed. The donor, who has contributed a substantial amount to the Lewiston Victim Assistance Fund, says that the organization has not provided clear information on the allocation of money received from the community.
The Lewiston shooting, which took place on June 12, 2023, left five people dead and three wounded after a gunman opened fire at a community gathering. In the wake of the tragedy, state officials and local charities established a fund to help victims and their families with medical expenses, counseling, and other costs directly related to the attack.
According to the donor, the fund’s board has not released detailed financial reports or explanations for how the money was spent. “I gave money because I wanted to help,” the donor said. “But I have not been given a transparent look at where that money goes. Transparency is essential, especially when people are trusting us to use it correctly.” The complaint will ask the Attorney General’s office to investigate the fund’s financial practices, citing a lack of audit records and inconsistent reporting.
The state Attorney General’s office has not yet responded to the donor’s request. In a statement, a spokesperson said the office “takes allegations of financial impropriety seriously and will review any credible evidence presented.” The spokesperson added that the office was already monitoring several charitable organizations in Maine for compliance with state law, though it declined to confirm whether the Lewiston fund is among them.
The donor’s move comes amid growing scrutiny of charitable funds across the state, as residents have expressed concerns about the proper use of contributions in the aftermath of high-profile tragedies. In Maine, the Attorney General’s office has previously investigated fund mismanagement allegations, leading to corrective actions and, in some cases, criminal charges.
State lawmakers have also weighed in, with several members of the Maine House of Representatives calling for a legislative audit of the Lewiston Victim Assistance Fund. Representative Maria Torres, a spokesperson for the committee that oversees charitable organizations, said, “We want to ensure that every dollar donated to help the victims is accounted for, and if there is a lack of transparency, the public must have the right to know.”
The donor’s decision to bring the matter to the Attorney General’s attention is expected to prompt a formal review. If the investigation finds any irregularities, the state could require the fund to provide a full audit and potentially impose penalties. In addition, the donor hopes that the complaint will lead to reforms that improve oversight for all charitable funds raised in connection with the Lewiston tragedy.
The Lewiston community remains deeply affected by the shooting. Victims’ families and local organizations have organized memorial services and fundraising events to support those left in its wake. The donor’s call for transparency, whether it leads to regulatory action or not, underscores the importance of accountability in the aftermath of a tragedy that has shaken the city.
