Story perspectives

Maine Candidate Troy Jackson Admitted 1988 Assault Incident

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Troy Jackson, Senate candidate and Maine Senate president, assaulted a man at Fort Kent before 2 a.m. on March 12, 1988, kicking a door, grabbing his throat, and cutting his face.
Jackson resolved the misdemeanor by paying a $50 fine, noted in a May 1988 BDN report.
Lana Pelletier, his partner of about 40 years, denied ever saying he pushed her.
Jackson said he took responsibility for the 1988 fight and never was violent toward Pelletier.

History

Historical Context

Kent State’s May 4 1970 shooting, when 28 Ohio National Guard members fired about 67 rounds, killed four students and wounded nine, sparked a nationwide student strike involving over 4 million participants and prompted the Scranton Commission’s reforms of crowd-control tactics. Decades later, Maine Senate President Troy Jackson’s March 12 1988 assault at Fort Kent, resulting in a $50 fine, revived calls for stricter ethics oversight of elected officials.

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Story summary

Troy Jackson, Senate candidate and Maine Senate president, assaulted a man at Fort Kent before 2 a.m. on March 12, 1988, kicking a door, grabbing his throat, and cutting his face.
Jackson resolved the misdemeanor by paying a $50 fine, noted in a May 1988 BDN report.
Lana Pelletier, his partner of about 40 years, denied ever saying he pushed her.
Jackson said he took responsibility for the 1988 fight and never was violent toward Pelletier.

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