Hackett’s parole in Maine reviewed Corrections commissioner: Murder suspect’s supervisors went by the book

AUGUSTA – Maine’s top corrections official says a review of the way murder defendant Edward Hackett was supervised as a parolee shows that officials went by the book in handling the case.

“The commissioner’s review concludes that the department’s management of this specific case was in full compliance with departmental policies and practices and exceeded the recommended levels of supervision,” a report by state Corrections Commissioner Martin Magnusson read.

The 47-year-old Hackett moved to Maine six months ago to live with his parents in Vassalboro, after his release from prison after serving 11 years for an abduction in Utah.

Hackett is being held without bail on charges of kidnapping and murder in last month’s slaying of Colby College student Dawn Rossignol.

After Hackett was arrested Sept. 22, Magnusson launched a review of his department’s policies for all out-of-state parolees and probationers.

“The commissioner has determined that the decision to accept Edward Hackett under the Interstate Compact for Adult Probationers and Parolees was appropriate,” Magnusson’s report stated.

Officials said the existing Interstate Compact agreement has been in effect since 1937, and 47 states, including Maine, have adopted a new agreement that is still subject to rulemaking.

According to Magnusson’s report, 338 probationers or parolees from other states are under supervision in Maine and 273 Maine probationers or parolees are living in other states.

Criteria for an application to move to another state under the compact include having family in the receiving state, or receiving state consent.

Magnusson’s report said Hackett applied to be supervised on parole in Maine and to live with his parents.

Officials said Utah could have approved Hackett’s move to Maine without the state’s acceptance of his application and that without Maine’s participation, out-of-state probationers or parolees could still come in.

“This would create a more dangerous situation of offenders whose presence is not known to law enforcement and who are not supervised by the department,” the report said.

While Hackett did reside with family in Maine, Magnusson recommended that all probationers or parolees from other states be required initially to live with or near family.

He also recommended that a risk and needs assessment of an applicant and an initial treatment plan, when necessary, be conducted and put in place before an applicant is accepted by or moves to Maine.

The report said an assessment was administered by Maine after Hackett’s acceptance, and a treatment plan was put in place after he arrived in the state.