Maine Democratic Senate hopeful Troy Jackson was involved in a physical altercation in 1988 that resulted in accusations of assault and domestic disturbance, according to a police report.
The March 12, 1988, report states that Jackson, then 19, allegedly kicked down the door of a home in Fort Kent, then confronted and punched another man over his romantic interest, Lana Pelletier.
Pelletier, who is also Jackson's second cousin and the mother of his two adult children, told police at the time that Jackson had "pushed her around." She now denies making these statements, calling them inaccurate. "Troy and I have built a life and family together, and I know the person he has been through the decades since, both as a caring partner and father," Pelletier said in a statement. She stated she had not seen the report until recently and did not remember making the attributed statements.
According to the report, Jackson's rival suffered a cut on his face from his broken glasses after the confrontation. Jackson reportedly warned the man to "stay away from Lana Pelletier or else." A friend intervened to break up the fight.
The police report identified Pelletier as Jackson's ex-girlfriend and noted she indicated an intention to pursue a "cease harassment" order against him, though there is no record of her doing so. The report described Pelletier claiming Jackson shoved her after the fight.
Jackson, 58, acknowledged the incident in a statement. "Nearly forty years ago, when I was 19 years old, I got into a fight with another man. I took responsibility for it then, and I take responsibility for it now," Jackson said. He added, "I have never been violent with my partner Lana, or any other woman. This happened nearly four decades ago, and I assure Mainers this incident in no way reflects the man I am today or the life I’ve led in the years since."
The court file for the 1988 incident has since been destroyed, but records suggest Jackson paid $50 to resolve the matter. This is reportedly the only criminal case linked to Jackson.
Jackson was nominated by Maine Democrats to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. He was selected after the initial nominee, Graham Platner, withdrew following accusations of rape.
Jackson, a fifth-generation logger, previously served 20 years in the Maine Senate, including six years as its president. His campaign has also addressed past accusations that he threw a water bottle at a female state Senate colleague during an argument, which the campaign acknowledged as a dispute but claimed was not directed at the woman.