Maine State Police Settle Excessive Force Lawsuit
A $54,000 settlement resolves a lawsuit alleging excessive force by troopers during a 2024 arrest.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Marie Searles has reached a $54,000 settlement with two Maine State Police officers to resolve a lawsuit regarding an alleged incident of excessive force. The agreement was signed on October 13, 2026, and includes no admission of liability.
Why it matters
The lawsuit, which originated from a 2024 arrest in Chelsea, accused Trooper Hunter Belanger and Lt. Aaron Turcotte of misconduct and alleged a broader culture of excessive force within the Maine State Police. The settlement resolves these claims before a formal trial could proceed.
The settlement agreement was finalized on October 13, 2026, with a required court filing for the dismissal of the lawsuit due by November 2, 2026. The case was initially filed in U.S. District Court in October 2025.
The players
Marie Searles
She is the plaintiff who filed a lawsuit alleging she suffered physical injuries and emotional distress due to police misconduct.
Hunter Belanger
He is a Maine State Police trooper named as a defendant in the excessive force lawsuit filed by Marie Searles.
Aaron Turcotte
He is a Lieutenant with the Maine State Police who was named as a defendant in the civil rights lawsuit.
Maeghan Maloney
She serves as the Kennebec County District Attorney and publicly criticized the conduct of the trooper involved in the arrest.
The details
The complaint filed by Marie Searles alleged that during a March 10, 2024, arrest in Chelsea, Trooper Hunter Belanger grabbed her by the shoulders and slammed her ribs onto the hood of a cruiser. Kennebec County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney has publicly characterized Trooper Belanger's conduct during the incident as completely inappropriate.
Timeline
March 10, 2024: Marie Searles arrested by Trooper Hunter Belanger in Chelsea.
October 2025: Marie Searles filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court.
October 13, 2026: Settlement agreement signed by an Assistant Attorney General.
November 2, 2026: Deadline to file a dismissal of the lawsuit.
Legal Context
This case reflects broader legal scrutiny regarding police accountability and the use of force in Maine. The lawsuit specifically cites concerns about a systemic culture within the state police that allegedly permits the use of excessive force.
The resolution of this case settles the immediate legal dispute and clears the path for the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Residents and local businesses may view the payout as a notable outcome in ongoing community discussions regarding police conduct and accountability.
The takeaway
This settlement provides a financial resolution for the plaintiff while allowing the defendants to avoid a trial and further public litigation. It serves as a reminder of the legal processes available when citizens seek redress for alleged police misconduct.
What happens next
A formal dismissal of the lawsuit must be submitted to the court no later than November 2, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest news regarding Law Enforcement across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bangor Daily News.
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