Former Prosecutor Reinstated
A single justice Maine Supreme Judicial Court has reinstated a suspended former prosecutor
In particular, I find that Alves has the requisite honesty and integrity to practice law in this State. The Court additionally notes the strong letters of support from several members of the Maine Bar endorsing Alves’ reinstatement Moreover, by letter dated August l, 2023, Bar Counsel stipulated to Alves’ reinstatement, subject to my approval. Based on all of the above, I do so approve, and reinstates Alves effective August 7, 2023 without conditions
Newscenter Maine had reported on criminal proceedings
On Wednesday, Kayla Alves, former Franklin County assistant district attorney, was sentenced to two-years probation and will have to pay a $2,000 fine for her role in connection to an alleged $13 million illegal marijuana operation.
Alves pleaded guilty to tampering with documents in March of this year. Police say she deleted a string of text messages she had with a sheriffs deputy, who allegedly had a stake in that marijuana business.
The recommended sentencing for Alves was 10-16 months in prison, but Noah Falk, assistant U.S. attorney for the district of Maine and prosecutor in this case, asked the judge for just a six month sentence.
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Falk said the lighter sentence request was taking into account that Alves is a single mother of three children and a veteran, who was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
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“We thought that this prosecution was very important to bring because Ms. Alves was a public servant, she was a prosecutor, and she had a duty to the public to treat everybody fairly and with respect,” Falk said. “She had a duty to always act within the best interest of the state.”
In wrapping up the sentencing, Judge Lance Walked told Alves he has every confidence she will return to a life of honor and integrity.
The trial for Alves’ co-defendants is set to begin in November, but Falk said he thinks it’s likely that date will be pushed back to a later time.
(Mike Frisch)