AUGUSTA, Maine — Frederick Wintle, the former legislator who pointed a loaded gun at a stranger in a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot in Waterville last May, pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to Class C criminal threatening and was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
Wintle, of Garland, stood in Kennebec County Superior Court and apologized to Michael Seamans, the Morning Sentinel photographer he pointed his .22-caliber pistol at. He also apologized to his constituents and family.
“I said I was sorry for my actions. I meant that when I said that,” Wintle said outside of court after the hearing. “I regret what I did. I stand to make it as right as I’m able to. And I appreciate the support of my family. Through the support of my church, I look to better my life.”
Seamans was not at the hearing. Deputy District Attorney Alan Kelley said he spoke with the photographer before the hearing and that Seamans felt the punishment was appropriate.
“He’s been very understanding and passionate,” Kelley said of Seamans. “[The sentence] adequately punishes Mr. Wintle and it gives him the help he needs.”
According to the terms of a plea agreement, Wintle will serve 45 days in jail beginning April 17. He also must have no contact with Seamans, not have possession or use of firearms or ammunition, continue psychiatric treatment, take prescribed medications, be subject to random searches for firearms, and not be in Waterville or Sidney except on Interstate 95.
After one year, if Wintle has met all of the conditions listed by the state, the charge will be dropped to Class D criminal threatening and he will be sentenced to 364 days in jail with all but 45 days suspended, which he will have already served. He will also be on probation for one year.
However, if he does not live up to the terms of the agreement, he will be sentenced to five years in jail, be fined $5,000, and be on probation for two years.
Justice Nancy Mills said she was pleased to see all sides work together and express compassion.
“The purpose of this sentence is for you to get help so this doesn’t happen again,” Mills told Wintle. “I congratulate everyone in this case.
“It’s a fair and just resolution,” she said.
Wintle was a Republican state representative for House District 24 at the time of the Waterville incident. District 24 includes the towns of Athens, Charleston, Dexter, Garland, Harmony and Ripley, and is currently being served by Rep. Raymond Wallace, R-Dexter.
On May 21, 2010, Seamans entered the Dunkin’ Donuts on Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, where he walked past Wintle, whom Seamans said he didn’t know. When Seamans walked past him, Wintle mumbled something “nonsensical,” said Seamans.
When Seamans walked out, Wintle again mumbled something, to which Seamans responded, “Excuse me.” Seamans said Wintle asked him about a baby who died a week earlier at a homeless shelter in Waterville and whether he knew the person who was dealing drugs.
“Quite honestly, it was all nonsensical,” Seamans said at the time.
When Seamans went to his truck, Wintle approached him and lifted his shirt to reveal a handgun in his waistband. Wintle then waved the gun in the air and leveled it at Seamans, about a foot away from him.
Wintle left and was later arrested at gunpoint at Central Maine Motors.
Bail conditions forbid him from returning to the State House without express permission from House Speaker Robert Nutting. Wintle resigned his position in September.
A fanatic is one who sticks to his guns whether they’re loaded or not.
Staying away from the State House will be the best medicine he can take. There are a few more folks behind the granite walls that should be perscribed the same dose.
And don’t forget the Blaine House!
And don’t forget the White House! Yuk yuk yuk.
One wonders how long before he violates one of the orders?
Dear JohnR, Fred is a different person now. He will be okay. You should not be so negative.
Another “Augusta Clan” showing their true colors!
it seems like a harsh sentence compared to what the repeat offenders get over and over and over and over again. Most of them do zero time.
Oh he will probably be out in 2 or 3 weeks “for good behavior.”
“… apologized to Michael Seamans, the Morning Sentinel photographer he pointed his .22-caliber pistol at.”
How about we fix this? To wit:
“… apologized to Michael Seamans, the Morning Sentinel photographer AT WHOM he pointed his .22-caliber pistol.”
What a weak sentence. I am all in favor of legally concealed carry. How many other “regular” citizens could pull a gun on someone and get 45 days? He should have been charged and tried on felony charges. It will just be a matter of time before he is back in the news again. Seriously, think about it, he pulled a gun on someone…guess he is just lucky that the person he pulled a gun on wasn’t carrying…his sentence could have been a permanent one!
Dear ScottK,
He made a mistake and he has paid dearly with his health and financially. Some day maybe you will understand that it is not the punishment that is dished out but the final results.
Hopefully this guy stays on his meds.
I can’t believe some of the ignorance contained in these comments. I have to wonder if you would feel the same way if this man was your relative or friend?
I agree with you ShawnaJo, Everyone wants to hammer someone because they made a big mistake and has paid for it with his health and financially. He is recovered and is a good man and has a strong wife. He has been my friend for over 55-years and will always be my friend.
I have known Fred for 55-years, he is a good man and has a wonderful wife and he got himself into a bad situation. He made a real mistake and has gotten medical help for his problem. He will have to live with this mistake but he has done more good than most of use in a lifetime. I hope when you get in trouble that you have the strength that Fred Wintle has.
Hang in there Fred you will get through this because your stronger now and you have a wonderful wife. You know who I am and you know where I live so call me anytime you need a true friend to listen to you. Your friend in TN