Maine and the First Circuit.
The First Circuit covers Maine and the rest of New England. Its decision in Limone is a powerful, local example of federal misconduct and federal liability.
Limone v. United States
Four men were convicted of a 1965 Massachusetts murder largely on the testimony of FBI informant Joseph Barboza. Decades later, FBI files disclosed information that undercut Barboza's account and had been suppressed. The convictions were vacated.
After a bench trial, the federal government was held liable under the Federal Tort Claims Act on multiple theories. The First Circuit upheld liability for intentional infliction of emotional distress and upheld damage awards exceeding $100 million. The appellate court described the government misconduct as egregious and the FBI's conduct as outrageous and tortious.
Why it matters here
It is a First Circuit decision, so it binds federal courts in Maine and the rest of New England. It shows federal law-enforcement misconduct contributing to wrongful convictions and producing massive federal civil liability.
Maine's federal prosecutors
Two people who held senior roles in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine are now on Maine state courts. Their profiles state the public record and where it stops.
Andrew K. Lizotte
Maine District Court Judge. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney and civil chief, District of Maine.
Read the recordDarcie N. McElwee
Justice of the Maine Superior Court. Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine.
Read the record