Bill > LD1888

This bill creates a comprehensive legal framework to combat organized criminal activities in Maine by establishing a new criminal offense of racketeering. The legislation defines racketeering as a pattern of criminal activity involving at least two criminal acts committed by a group of three or more people within a three-year period, with a shared purpose of engaging in criminal conduct. The bill outlines an extensive list of qualifying criminal acts, including serious offenses such as murder, human trafficking, drug trafficking, theft, forgery, sexual offenses, and gambling-related crimes. A person can be charged with racketeering if they knowingly conduct, participate in, or invest proceeds from a criminal enterprise. The bill also expands asset forfeiture laws, allowing law enforcement to seize money, personal property, and real property used in or traceable to racketeering offenses. Importantly, the bill provides jurisdictional provisions that allow prosecution even if some criminal acts occur outside of Maine, particularly if the victim is a Maine resident. Depending on the severity of the underlying criminal acts, racketeering can be charged as either a Class B or Class C crime. The legislation is designed to be implemented immediately due to its emergency clause, reflecting the urgent need to address organized criminal enterprises in the state.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1888&snum=132