ALFRED — A York County Grand Jury has handed up a nine-count indictment ”“ including one count of felony theft ”“ against former Republican Rep. David R. Burns of Alfred in connection with the financing of his November 2010 election campaign.
Burns, who resigned his job as a legislator for District 138 last week, was indicted on one felony theft count and eight misdemeanors, including three forgery counts, misuse of entrusted property, violation of the Clean Election Act, and three counts of making a false report under the Clean Election Act.
The indictment alleges Burns stole money he received from the Clean Elections Fund and used the money for personal expenses.
The indictment was handed up at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday.
“At this point we have no comment,” said Bill Logan, Burns’ attorney, today.
An arraignment date has not yet been set.
In November, Burns was found by the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices to have violated eight Maine election finance laws. The ethics commission ordered Burns to repay about $2,300, but voted to hold off on assessing penalties until the attorney general’s investigation wrapped up.
“I certainly have never seen anything at this level in terms of severity,” said ethics commission Chairman Walter McKee at the hearing.
After their findings, the ethics commission referred the matter to the office of the Maine Attorney General.
Maine House Speaker Robert Nutting last week said Burns resignation from the Legislature was an appropriate step for him to take.
Burns has also tendered his resignation as an Alfred selectman, effective at the end of the March 31 Town Meeting.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt, but a finding that enough evidence exists to move forward with prosecution.
Until his resignation, the freshman legislator represented Alfred, Limerick, Newfield and Shapleigh.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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