2 former Maine police officers accused of beating porcupines to death will spend time in jail

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Addison Cox and Michael Rolerson both pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of night hunting and one count of animal cruelty, Irving said.

Cox received a 90-day sentence, with all but 10 days suspended for the animal cruelty charge, and seven days for the night hunting charge, which will be served concurrently. Cox will also have to pay a fine, full community service and receive treatment for PTSD, Irving said.

Rolerson was sentenced to 270 days in jail, with all but 20 days suspended, and seven days on the night hunting charge, which will also be served concurrently. He will also pay a fine, perform community service and undergo treatment for PTSD, according to Irving.

CNN has contacted attorneys for Cox and Roleerson but has yet to receive a response.

CNN previously reported that the two officers were fired from the Rockland Police Department following a criminal and internal investigation into the allegations against them.
The incidents took place in early June 2020 but were not reported until late August by another Rockland police officer, The Courier Gazette reported.
Police Chief Chris Young confirmed the dismissal of two officers in a statement on Facebook but did not disclose their identities or any details, citing state law on employee discipline. Young declined to comment on CNN.
A third officer was put on administrative leave for allegedly filming a video of Rolerson killing a porcupine, The Courier Gazette reported in October.

The animal cruelty charges against Cox and Rolerson have been dropped to misdemeanors because the men appear to be suffering from PTSD, according to Irving. Cox and Roleerson are both combat veterans.

“Our belief from the survey is that they appear to have symptoms of PTSD,” she said. “We want these guys to get the treatment they need.”

Rolerson estimated he killed eight porcupines while Cox said he killed three in the report compiled by the Bureau of Warden Services, according to The Courier Gazette.

Both men “took responsibility” for their actions, Irving added. After their release, the goal is to give them the treatment they need so that “they do not act cruel to any animal while they are alive.”

Allen Kim of CNN contributed to this report.

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