DOVER-FOXCROFT — The chief pilot for the Maine Warden Service entered a plea of not guilty Monday on domestic violence charges stemming for an alleged incident at his home June 1.

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

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

Later did not personally appear in Piscataquis County Superior Court, nor did his lawyer, David Szewczyk of Bangor, Almy said.

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

Almy said Later’s wife dialed 911 the night of the alleged assault, reporting her husband was intoxicated and smashing items in the home. Later allegedly 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, Warden Service public information officer Cpl. John MacDonald said earlier this month. He said the case remains under investigation and the Warden Service is conducting an internal investigation into the allegations.

All the charges are class D misdemeanors punishable upon conviction by up to 364 days in jail.

Later joined the Warden Service in 1999. He is stationed at Central Division headquarters in Greenville, which covers central Maine.

Szewczyk did not return a call for comment on the case.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

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