Activist says he hopes accusers find justice
PORTLAND (AP) — A Maine activist convicted of defaming the founder of a Haiti orphanage said Friday that he hopes the seven men who accused the former Catholic brother of sexual abuse will find justice in the island nation.
A federal jury on Thursday ordered Paul Kendrick to pay $14.5 million for his email blitz accusing Michael Geilenfeld of being a serial pedophile and the U.S. charity Hearts with Haiti of doing nothing to stop him.
Kendrick, 65, of Freeport, said he’s disappointed for the accusers who told jurors about being abused by Geilenfeld when they were teenage orphans in Port-au-Prince.
Geilenfeld, who was inspired by his work with Mother Teresa’s Missionary of Charity Brothers to do good works in Haiti, denied the accusations.
The allegations led Haiti officials to detain Geilenfeld for 237 days before he was released by a judge in April. The judge dismissed the criminal case, but the country’s justice minister criticized the decision, which is under appeal.
It remains to be seen how much ”“ if anything ”“ Kendrick will have to pay. An insurance policy will cover at least some of the damages, his attorney said.
Mainers to see slight hike in ACA premiums
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine residents who buy Affordable Care Act insurance are going to see modest increases in their premiums.
The Portland Press Herald reports the state’s premiums will stay below the national average and significantly lower than the double-digit increases projected in some cities.
The ACA marketplace allows those without insurance to get subsidized benefits.
Preliminary state rate filings show the Community Health Options plan will rise an average of 0.5 percent next year. The plan slightly decreased in 2015.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield patients will see an average increase of nearly 6 percent. Most Mainers who don’t have insurance with Community Health Options have Anthem plans.
All rate proposals must be approved by the state and insurers have regulatory review and negotiations before the rates are finalized.
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