A Portland man has been charged with a hate crime after yelling derogatory comments to female employees at Sisters Gourmet Deli about their sexuality.
On Saturday afternoon, police responded to the incident and charged 37-year-old Jesse James Taylor with disorderly conduct and interference of constitutional rights.
Portland Police Chief Mike Sauschuck says Taylor has pled guilty to disorderly conduct and will spend five days in jail.
"The violation of constitutional rights has been referred to the Attorney General's office," Sauschuck says. "They make the final determination whether this is a hate crime or not."
The owner of the deli posted a video of the incident on Facebook, saying the issue is an example of what happens when mental health is ignored.
Sauschuck agrees that there are not enough treatment options in Maine. He says the police department's behavioral health unit will follow up with Taylor after he is out of jail.
