PORTLAND — A former Lewiston police officer accused of assaulting his girlfriend has pleaded no contest to two domestic violence misdemeanors, but has avoided jail time.

A judge in Portland on Wednesday sentenced 48-year-old Timothy Darnell to a pair of concurrent year-long jail terms, but suspended the entire sentence.

Darnell was also ordered to have no contact with his ex-girlfriend and complete counseling and a batterer’s treatment program.

Darnell was initially arrested and charged in May with assaulting his girlfriend in Portland. He was arrested again the following morning for allegedly returning to the victim’s home.

The 16-year veteran resigned shortly after his arrest.

The Sun Journal reports that according to court documents, the victim told investigators Darnell grabbed her by the throat and pushed her head into a window.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.