Skowhegan residents call for police investigation following safety concerns

The Skowhegan Selectboard meeting on June 24, 2025, featured a poignant testimony from a local resident, Rebecca, who expressed deep concerns regarding escalating crime and inadequate police response in her neighborhood. Rebecca, a stay-at-home mother and homeschooler, detailed her family's experience since moving to Skowhegan in 2021, highlighting a troubling increase in crime, including public drug use, violence, and theft, which she claimed has made her home feel unsafe.

During her testimony, Rebecca recounted a specific incident from June 4, 2025, where she intervened in what she perceived as child mistreatment. Instead of receiving support from law enforcement, she described a troubling encounter where she felt threatened by the individuals involved and subsequently faced harassment from police officers. She alleged that Corporal Wilhoite and Officer Romo mishandled the situation, failed to collect evidence, and issued a harassment notice against her instead of addressing her concerns.

Rebecca's account included claims of a conflict of interest regarding her complaint against the officers, as she discovered that Officer Romo was related to Corporal Wilhoite. She expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability within the Skowhegan Police Department, urging the Selectboard to conduct a full investigation into the officers' conduct and the department's culture.

Her daughter, Zoe, also spoke, sharing her feelings of fear and insecurity in their neighborhood, stating that past experiences with police had left her feeling unsafe rather than protected. Zoe's testimony underscored the emotional impact of the situation on children in the community.

The meeting concluded with Rebecca providing written statements to the board, emphasizing the need for action to restore safety and trust in law enforcement for her family and the broader community. The Selectboard's response to these serious allegations and the next steps for addressing community safety concerns remain to be seen.