Maine lawmaker charged with pulling gun resigns

AUGUSTA, Maine – A Maine lawmaker barred from the State House after he was charged with pulling a loaded gun on a stranger in a parking lot has resigned.

The lawyer for Republican Rep. Frederick Wintle of Garland disclosed the resignation Tuesday at a hearing in Kennebec County Superior Court. The House speaker said later he had accepted the resignation.

Last month, attorney Leonard Sharon said he was seeking a resolution that would get Wintle treatment and allow him to continue serving in the Legislature. But Sharon said Tuesday that Wintle had recently resigned.

The hearing focused on a deal under which Wintle would plead guilty to a felony, with the charge later reduced to a misdemeanor if he meets certain conditions. Objections were raised, and the matter wasn't immediately resolved.