BRUNSWICK — Two state lawmakers-turned-lovers, Reps. Alex Cornell du Houx and Erin Herbig, have reached a private agreement to settle their legal differences.

Both legislators declined to discuss the details of the pact, which was reached late on May 11.

On Monday, May 14, Herbig, a Belfast Democrat, withdrew a request in Belfast District Court for an order of protection from abuse against Cornell du Houx, who announced he had requested a leave of absence for the last few days of the legislative session.

“Last week, before we came to an agreement, I informed leadership that I will be taking an excused absence for the next few days,” the Brunswick Democrat said.

Herbig and Cornell du Houx were involved in a romantic relationship, but when the relationship went sour, Herbig claimed Cornell du Houx stalked her and invaded her privacy in various ways, despite repeated warnings from legislative leadership and Herbig’s attorney, Chris MacLean.

Maine State Police opened an investigation into her allegations, but they closed the case on May 11.

“It’s over,” spokesman Stephen McCausland of the Maine Bureau of Public Safety said. “There will be no enforcement action.”

Herbig and Cornell du Houx have each said they intend to seek re-election this year.

“I’ve dedicated myself to the people of Brunswick as a lawmaker and to my country as an officer in the Navy,” Cornell du Houx said. “I am looking forward to continuing to serve in the Legislature and running for office.”

Cornell du Houx recently ended a three-year stint at the Truman National Security Project in Washington, D.C., where he said he traveled the country to recruit and train future leaders, elected officials, their staff, nonprofits, and others involved in national security issues and climate change.

Cornell du Houx said he voluntarily left the Truman project.

“I left the Truman National Security Project to focus on my re-election efforts,” he said.

Cornell du Houx made his first public appearance in Brunswick after the controversy, when he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for the town’s new train station.

“I went to the Amtrak opening and it was very heartening when members of the community came to to voice their support,” he said. “I am extremely grateful for all the community support I have received.”

Herbig said that she, too, has been buoyed by public reaction.

“I want to thank my family, colleagues, constituents and people from all across the state for their support and encouragement in this very difficult process,” she said in a prepared statement following the agreement.

Cornell du Houx said he will be leaving on a trip to Australia to lead a delegation of veterans to foster international relations later this month, but that it is not a result of the agreement.

“That’s been in the works for about nine months,” he said. “I’ve done previous trips to Malaysia and Indonesia in a similar manner.”

Matt Hongoltz-Hetling can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or matthh@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @hh_matt.

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