In a significant ruling, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court affirmed the conviction of Devon M. Stewart for gross sexual assault but vacated his sentence due to an illegal probation term. The decision, made on October 27, 2026, affects Stewart, the victim, and the broader legal landscape regarding sentencing in sexual assault cases.

The court found that there was sufficient evidence to support Stewart's conviction, which stemmed from an incident involving a 16-year-old victim in February 2023. However, the court also determined that the trial court had improperly sentenced Stewart to a longer probationary period than allowed by law.

Background

Devon M. Stewart was convicted of gross sexual assault after a jury trial held in Somerset County. The case arose from an incident on February 17, 2023, when the victim, a 16-year-old girl, encountered Stewart, a former schoolmate. During their interaction, Stewart made inappropriate advances and ultimately sexually assaulted her on a railroad trestle.

The victim testified that she did not physically resist Stewart due to fear and that she repeatedly told him to stop. Following the assault, she contacted the police, leading to Stewart's arrest. The State filed a criminal complaint against Stewart on January 19, 2024, and he was indicted on April 19, 2024, on one count of gross sexual assault.

The trial took place in January 2025, where the jury heard testimony from the victim and law enforcement officers, along with evidence including the victim's 9-1-1 call. Stewart pleaded not guilty and took the stand in his defense, but the jury ultimately found him guilty.

The Ruling

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court, led by Justice Lawrence, ruled on several key issues in the case. The court concluded that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's finding of guilt regarding gross sexual assault by compulsion. The court stated, "Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, there is sufficient evidence to support the jury’s finding that the victim submitted to a sexual act with Stewart as a result of compulsion."

However, the court also found that the trial court erred in sentencing Stewart. The law allows a maximum probation period of four years for Class A crimes, but Stewart had been sentenced to six years. The court noted, "the court’s sentence exceeded the statutory time limit for probation," and thus, vacated the sentence while affirming the conviction.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for the legal treatment of sexual assault cases in Maine. By affirming the conviction, the court reinforced the legal standards surrounding gross sexual assault, particularly the definition of compulsion. The decision also emphasizes the importance of adhering to statutory limits in sentencing, particularly regarding probation periods.

Stewart's case highlights the challenges victims face in sexual assault cases, especially regarding their testimony and the legal proceedings that follow. The court's ruling may encourage other victims to come forward, knowing that the legal system is responsive to their experiences.

What's Next

Following this ruling, Stewart's case will return to the lower court for resentencing in compliance with the legal limits set forth by the Maine statute. The court's decision can be appealed, but it remains to be seen if Stewart will pursue further legal action.