AUGUSTA, Maine — A 44-year-old Albion, Maine man, Sean M. Eori, is on trial at the Capital Judicial Center after being indicted on 11 charges involving the alleged sexual assault and exploitation of a child in Kennebec County.
Prosecutors allege that between 2019 and 2022, Eori engaged in repeated acts of sexual abuse against a girl he had known since she was a baby. The abuse started taking place after she turned 13 years old. According to Assistant District Attorney Amanda Seekins, Eori had a sexual relationship with the girl lasting over 18 months, during which he assaulted her in multiple locations, including aboard his boat, at his home, at his business, and in campers.
The most serious charge, a Class A felony count of gross sexual assault, alleges Eori engaged in a sexual act with a child under the age of 14 between January 2019 and January 2021. He also faces three counts of unlawful sexual contact, two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, and four counts of possession of sexually explicit materials involving children under the age of 16.
During the first day of trial, jurors were shown a video in which the victim described the alleged assaults, stating Eori “always had a loaded gun on him” and warned her of “consequences” if she told anyone. She also alleged that he coerced her into sending nude photographs of herself.
Eori has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Walter McKee, told the jury there is no physical evidence supporting the allegations, no DNA evidence tying Eori to the assaults, and no indication in the girl’s school counseling records that she had ever disclosed abuse by Eori.
The trial continues in Augusta under Superior Court Justice Daniel J. Mitchell.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Table of Contents
What Is Gross Sexual Assault in Maine?
In Maine, gross sexual assault refers to non-consensual sexual acts involving penetration, especially when the victim is underage, mentally incapacitated, unconscious, or otherwise unable to consent. Under 17-A M.R.S. § 253, the most severe form of gross sexual assault, involving a child under 14, is classified as a Class A felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and in some cases includes a mandatory minimum sentence.
Gross sexual assault charges often hinge on testimony, physical evidence, forensic interviews, and digital communications. Defendants face not only imprisonment, but also lifelong sex offender registration and collateral consequences affecting employment, housing, and custody rights.
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Maine?
Penalties vary based on the victim’s age, use of force, and presence of aggravating factors (e.g., weapons, coercion, or repeat offenses). The penalties include:
- Class A: Up to 30 years in prison and $50,000 in fines
- Class B: Up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines
- Mandatory sex offender registration under Maine’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)
- Probation, often with strict supervision and treatment conditions
These cases are prosecuted aggressively in Maine, and even mere accusations can devastate a person’s personal and professional life.
What Is Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Maine?
Under 17-A M.R.S. § 254, sexual abuse of a minor refers to consensual sexual contact or acts with a person who is legally unable to consent due to age — typically under 16 years old, when the defendant is at least 3 years older than the minor.
In Sean Eori’s case, prosecutors allege that some of the conduct occurred when the alleged victim was between 13 and 15 years old, triggering charges of both gross sexual assault and sexual abuse of a minor.
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Maine?
Sexual abuse of a minor can be charged as a Class C or Class D felony, depending on circumstances:
- Class C: Up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines
- Class D: Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines
- Sex offender registration, depending on the severity and age differences
The long-term consequences can include loss of firearm rights, barriers to employment, and restrictions on contact with minors.
What Is Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Maine?
Sexual exploitation of a minor involves creating, possessing, or distributing sexually explicit images or videos of children. Maine law defines this offense under 17-A M.R.S. § 282, and it often includes coercion, threats, or manipulation to obtain explicit content.
Prosecutors in the Eori case allege he instructed the alleged victim to take nude photos of herself and send them to him via text, conduct that supports this charge.
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Maine?
Sexual exploitation of a minor is classified as a Class B or Class A felony, depending on the conduct and the victim’s age:
- Class A: Up to 30 years in prison
- Class B: Up to 10 years in prison
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Probation, fines, and loss of electronic device access may apply
Courts consider each piece of digital evidence, including texts, images, and metadata, when determining guilt or innocence.
What Is Considered Possession of Sexually Explicit Materials in Maine?
Possessing sexually explicit materials of minors under 16 is a criminal offense under 17-A M.R.S. § 284. This includes downloaded content, images saved to devices, cloud storage, or transmitted through messaging apps.
In Eori’s case, prosecutors allege four instances of possessing such images in Windsor on June 23, 2022, involving children under 16.
Contact Our Maine Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers
Being accused of a sex crime in Maine, especially one involving a minor, is among the most serious legal challenges anyone can face. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our defense attorneys have deep experience defending clients against charges of gross sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and possession of child pornography.
We understand that accusations do not equal guilt, and we fight aggressively to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing charges, contact us today for a confidential case review.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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