Ex-Gubernatorial Candidate and Democrat Donor Admits to Child Porn Charges.

Former Maine Governor Candidate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

Eliot Cutler, a former Democratic candidate for governor of Maine, has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.

Cutler, 76, was found to have thousands of images of children under the age of 12 being sexually abused in his possession. He will serve nine months in jail for four counts of possessing sexually explicit material of a child under 12.

“My behavior helped to support an industry built upon their abuse, and I hope with all my heart that they can find healing and dignity,” Cutler said in court.

Cutler will report to Hancock County Jail on June 1 to begin his sentence. Once released, he will have to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years and will be on probation for six years, with his internet activity subject to monitoring. His electronic devices, home, email, offices, and vehicles, will also be subject to random searches. In addition, he will have to pay $5,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Cutler, an attorney, was a former aide to former Sen. Ed Muskie (D-ME). He also worked in the Office of Management and Budget during former President Jimmy Carter’s administration. Cutler also ran twice for governor of Maine, self-financing his campaign but losing twice to Republican Paul LePage. In 2010, he lost by 10,000 votes. In 2014, he placed a distant third.

Cutler also gave heavily to Democratic candidates and PACs, including donations to former President Barack Obama and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Cutler’s attorney, Walter McKee, told media outlets that his client’s life achievements would be nullified to so many people due to the charges, saying the punishment goes beyond serving time in jail. Cutler himself provided no excuse for his behavior and said he was “embarrassed, ashamed, and deeply, deeply sorry” for his actions.

Hancock County District Attorney Robert Granger told reporters after Cutler pleaded guilty that he knew many would think the punishment wasn’t severe enough.

“There’s a lot of commentary from folks in the public that are enraged by the conduct. But unfortunately, we just can’t jump to a maximum sentence in these types of situations,” Granger said.

Key Takeaways:

• Eliot Cutler, a former Democratic candidate for governor of Maine, has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
• Cutler will serve nine months in jail for four counts of possessing sexually explicit material of a child under 12.
• Once released, he will have to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years and will be on probation for six years, with his internet activity subject to monitoring.
• Cutler will also have to pay $5,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.