DOVER-FOXCROFT — The chief pilot for the Maine Warden Service has pleaded not guilty to domestic-violence charges stemming from an alleged incident at his home June 1.

A lawyer for Charles Later, 54, of Shirley entered the plea Monday on his behalf, said Piscataquis County District Attorney Chris Almy.

“His attorney sent in a letter with the plea and waived arraignment,” Almy said Tuesday. “He has asked for a jury trial, which could happen as late as November.”

Later was arrested and charged initially with domestic violence assault. Charges of obstructing the report of a crime and criminal mischief were added once the case was reviewed, Almy said earlier this month.

Almy said Later’s wife dialed 911, reporting that her husband was intoxicated and smashing items in their home. Later ripped the phone from the wall and shoved his wife, Almy said.

Later is on administrative leave, with pay, until the matter is resolved in court. Cpl. John MacDonald said the Warden Service is investigating the allegations.

All of the charges are misdemeanors, punishable by as much as 364 days in jail.

Later joined the Warden Service in 1999. He is stationed at Central Division headquarters in Greenville, which covers central Maine. He did not return a call for comment on the case.

 

Morning Sentinel Staff Writer Doug Harlow can be contacted at 612-2367 or at: dharlow@centralmaine.com

 

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