Liberty resident sues town over no-trespass order
Liberty Woman Files Lawsuit Against Waldo County Town Over No‑Trespass Order
A woman from Liberty, Maine, has filed a federal civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, alleging that a no‑trespass order issued by the town of Liberty infringes on her constitutional rights and deprives her of basic civic participation.
Corie L. Singer, a real‑estate agent, says she was handed the order after an incident on May 5 that involved her husband, Roland Singer, a 56‑year‑old resident of Liberty. According to the complaint, Roland was accused by town officials of breaking into the municipal building, damaging property, and physically assaulting several selectboard members. Police reports indicate a selectboard member received minor injuries and that Roland was subsequently charged with two counts of simple assault and one count of criminal mischief.
Singer maintains she had no role in the events, noting that she had just met with town officials and was standing outside the building when the incident occurred. “I was not present during the alleged assault and had no involvement with my husband’s actions,” the lawsuit states. The complaint argues that the no‑trespass order was issued solely because of Singer’s marital connection to the accused, and not based on any wrongdoing on her part.
The order, issued by the town attorney, prohibits Singer from using any town services other than 911 and the town’s online portal. The complaint lists a handful of exceptions, such as mailing correspondence to the town attorney, but says Singer is forbidden from speaking with town personnel in non‑emergency situations. The letter also warned that “violations or attempts to circumvent this order would result in fines and attorney fees.”
Singer’s lawsuit contends that she was never afforded a hearing or any other form of due process before the order was enforced. The complaint claims the town cited an incorrect section of state statute in its issuance of the order. “There was no hearing, no notice, no opportunity to contest the claim,” the lawsuit says.
The plaintiffs argue that the restriction prevents Singer from participating fully in her community. The order bars her from attending town meetings and casting an in‑person vote. It also hampers her ability to conduct business as a real‑estate agent, a profession that requires routine interaction with town offices and properties. “This effectively excludes me from the daily life and civic duties of my hometown,” the complaint states.
Singer claims the order violates her rights under the First Amendment’s guarantee of petitioning the government for redress, the Fifth Amendment’s protection against deprivation of liberty without due process, and the Fourteenth Amendment’s right to equal protection and voting. “I am being silenced and isolated without any lawful justification,” the lawsuit asserts.
The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that the no‑trespass order is void, as well as monetary relief that includes coverage of Singer’s attorney fees. The complaint also requests that the town be held responsible for any damages arising from the alleged constitutional violations.
The town of Liberty closed its office on the day the lawsuit was filed, and its selectboard members could not be reached for comment. The complaint notes that informal attempts to resolve the matter with town officials have not produced a satisfactory outcome.
For residents and observers, the case raises questions about due process and the balance between public safety and individual rights in small‑town governance. The U.S. District Court will decide whether the town’s order was justified or if it overstepped constitutional boundaries.
