My name is Lindsey Daggett. I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I was abused from age six to age 15 by my mother's boyfriend. I struggled with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder from the years of abuse. After reporting the abuse, I agreed to a plea deal where he was supposed to spend 18 months in prison and have to register as a sex offender. He only served 14 months, released early for "good behavior." This was the first of many failures by the justice system.

After his release, he has been allowed to continue being a landlord to his trailer park. Despite being a registered sex offender, he's allowed to rent his property to anybody...including families with children. The probation board are unable to do anything, as it's considered his source of income. Because he's the landlord, he has a right to rent to whomever, even though he's not allowed contact with children under the age of 16. It makes no sense.

In fall 2021, a bill to restrict where sex offenders can live was rejected by the Maine Legislative Council. I'm beyond frustrated with the system, I have been since my abuser's early release from prison. I'm terrified my abuser is going to hurt another child, especially if they live on his property. Something has to change.

Every 68 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted, we need to do everything we can to protect the children. He shouldn't be allowed to run a trailer park, control their living situations, where he's a dangerous criminal, especially with children living there, it's common sense. 

I wish I was never abused, but I'm hoping my story can save others. This petition is to demand change, protect children from being so easily assaulted when it cane prevented. Sex offenders should not be allowed to be in any position of power to rent property, especially if it includes families with kids. The system needs to do better, protect innocent children from a tragedy.