Maine dentist ends affair after wife catches him

In a quaint Maine town, a prolonged affair between Dr. Aaron Palmer and his dental assistant Lucina 'Terra' Burns has come to light, highlighted by a federal lawsuit. This affair reportedly began in 2013, just one year after Burns began her employment at Palmer's dental office. Allegations in the suit detail how Palmer allegedly initiated the affair by engaging in inappropriate behavior towards Burns during her work hours. This escalated to a physical relationship when they were alone in the office, resulting in a decade-long entanglement marked by guilt and complicating both their personal lives. Despite both parties being married during their affair, Palmer allegedly provided monetary compensation to continue their relationship, including a lucrative and relaxed position for Burns at his second practice. However, it is claimed he failed to pay proper overtime wages to her and other employees, raising further controversy within the practice and highlighting potential unethical treatment of his staff. The relationship faced turmoil when Burns's husband discovered their affair in October 2022, leading to discussions of a divorce that prompted Palmer to attempt to bribe them into silence. Palmer’s wife eventually became aware of the situation herself, resulting in Burns's termination in January 2023. After this termination, Burns struggled to find work in her field, ultimately accepting a position that paid significantly less than what she had earned previously. Meanwhile, Palmer's business faced scrutiny, leading to the sale of his practice to another dentist. However, he continues to operate another dental location, raising questions about the working environment and the culture within his practices. The lawsuit alleges gender discrimination, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and retaliation under the Maine Human Rights Act, with Burns seeking unspecified damages. This case has garnered public interest, revealing how personal relationships can profoundly affect workplace dynamics and raise ethical concerns in professional settings.