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FIRST ON FOX: Janet Mills, the Democratic Governor of Maine, has long claimed that a probe into her alleged cocaine use is part of a politically motivated attack. However, a recently uncovered memo, obtained by Fox News Digital, challenges her assertions, putting the years-old allegations back in the spotlight.
In early 1990, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maine, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Bureau of Intergovernmental Drug Enforcement, initiated an investigation into Mills, who was then serving as a district attorney. The catalyst for this inquiry stemmed from accusations made by a drug suspect, alleging that Mills had engaged in cocaine use.
Although the investigation ultimately concluded without any charges, Mills has consistently argued that the inquiry lacked foundation and was a targeted effort due to her political affiliation and vocal criticism of the Bureau of Intergovernmental Drug Enforcement. At that time, she, along with two other district attorneys, publicly criticized the Bureau for what they claimed were inflated arrest statistics from the prosecution of minor drug offenders.
In a statement to the Portland Press Herald in November 1991, Mills expressed her concerns, saying, “It’s scary. Maine apparently has a secret police force at work that can ruin the reputation of any who opposes it.” Such remarks underpin her stance that the investigation was an abuse of power.
Memo Reveals Different Narrative
A memorandum from March 1995, produced by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility, contradicts Mills’ narrative. The memo, addressed to the Deputy Attorney General, who was then an associate of Merrick Garland, affirms that there was no misconduct involved in the investigation against Mills.
According to the memo, a report from WCSH-TV in December 1990 alleged that Mills was under investigation by a federal grand jury regarding drug use, citing sources from law enforcement. In response, Mills initiated a libel and slander lawsuit against the reporter who published the story. Her legal representation claimed that law enforcement officials from the Bureau leaked information to the press, which they argued warranted a grand jury investigation.
The outcome of Mills’ libel and slander suit remains unclear as records indicate they were disposed of in 2015 per retention policies. A Lewiston Sun-Journal article from 1991 mentions that judicial efforts to put a stop to drug probe rumors were dismissed by the court.
Political Oversight and Investigative Concerns
In January 1992, then-Senator Joe Biden sought a federal inquiry into allegations that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maine failed to act on the leaks from the grand jury, and that investigative attorneys appeared to have intimidated and coerced witnesses during their inquiries.
These concerns were initially raised in a letter penned by Patrick Paradis and N. Paul Gauvreau, the leaders of the Maine Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. They argued that the allegations against Maine’s U.S. Attorney’s Office extended beyond the state agency’s actions.
Ultimately, the investigation did not result in charges against Mills for the alleged cocaine use. However, the Department of Justice discovered that the allegations Mills raised, including her claims of political targeting, were not substantiated. They determined that investigators did not solicit false testimony nor intimidate witnesses, and that no unauthorized information was leaked to the media.
The DOJ’s findings stated unequivocally that “the USAO in Maine conducted a proper investigation of serious allegations; no misconduct of any kind can fairly be attributed to any member of that office,” concluding their report in 1995.
Continuing the Pushback
Despite the DOJ’s dismissal of her claims, Mills maintained throughout the process that political motivations were behind the investigation. In 1991, she publicly declared herself a victim of a smear campaign, suggesting a linkage between the investigation and her comments regarding accountability at the Bureau.
She remarked, “I’d say it’s awfully coincidental that this investigation started and was leaked to the press shortly after my public comments about the lack of accountability at BIDE.” Moreover, Mills stressed that such conditions create an adverse environment for prosecutors, who may fear for their reputations whenever they prosecute a case.
Attempts to reach Mills for a comment by Fox News Digital were met with no response, reflecting the ongoing complexities surrounding these historical allegations.
Recent Political Climate and Future Contrasts
Earlier in the year, Mills accused President Donald Trump of orchestrating a politically charged investigation into Maine’s Department of Education. The two engaged in a public disagreement during a National Governors Association meeting held at the White House in February, which included discussions on the participation of transgender women in women’s sports.
In that exchange, Trump suggested that Mills comply with his executive orders to prevent transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports or risk losing federal funding. Mills responded defiantly, saying, “We’ll see you in court,” highlighting her commitment to her position amid rising tensions on political and social issues.
Looking to the future, Republican Senator Susan Collins is set to vie for re-election in 2026. Mills, limited by term length for her gubernatorial role, stands as a potential Democratic candidate to challenge Collins, making the political landscape even more intriguing.
In April, Mills suggested that she did not intend to seek another office; however, she acknowledged that “things change week to week, month to month,” hinting at the possibility of a Senate run. This raises questions about her political future and lasting effects of the allegations that have shadowed her career.
