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November 29, 2011

Ex-legislator denies threatening man at gunpoint

By Betty Adams badams@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA — A former legislator formally entered not guilty pleas today to an indictment accusing him of holding a man at gunpoint in a Waterville parking lot last May.

Frederick L. Wintle, 59, of Garland, was arraigned in Kennebec County Superior Court on charges of criminal threatening, reckless conduct and having a concealed weapon on May 21.

At the time, Wintle was a Republican legislator representing District 24, Athens, Charleston, Dexter, Garland, Harmony and Ripley. He resigned his post in September.

Justice Michaela Murphy told him today that the criminal threatening and reckless conduct charges were felonies, each carrying a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison.

The arraignment proceeding, where Wintle stood next to attorney, Leonard Sharon, took about one minute. Wintle’s next court date is Jan. 3, 2012.

Wintle allegedly pointed a .22-caliber handgun at Michael Seamans, of Sidney, in the parking lot of Dunkin' Donuts on Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville.

Waterville police who investigated the incident said Wintle didn't know Seamans, and that Seamans did nothing to provoke the attack as he stopped for coffee on his way to work. Seamans is a photographer for the Morning Sentinel.

click image to enlarge

MAKING A MOTION: Rep. Frederick L. Wintle, R-Garland, right, listens to his attorney, Leonard Sharon, discuss the status of cases against him for criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon during a Kennebec County Superior Court hearing held in August. Wintle is accused of pulling a loaded handgun on a stranger in a Waterville Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot May 21.

Staff photo by Andy Molloy

Wintle's colleagues reported his behavior had been out of character several months before his May 21 arrest in Waterville, and he had been issued a trespass notice to keep him away from the office of the executive director of the Legislature after Wintle had complained repeatedly about the condition of the U.S. flag flying over the State House. Capitol Police said he was accosting office staff.

Wintle spent some time in jail and has undergone psychological treatment since his May 21 arrest.

He is free on bail.

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