SANFORD, Maine — Sanford Police Department Public Information Officer Mark Dyer said Maine State House Rep. Lucas Lanigan, R-Sanford, turned himself into York County Jail Monday morning after police issued a warrant for his arrest following an incident that allegedly occurred Oct. 25.
Lanigan was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault.
"Warrants are issued when you have to do long investigations to build the probable cause or the proof beyond reasonable doubt to charge them or if they're not on scene," Dyer said. "If they're not on scene and you don't know where they are immediately, you'll issue a warrant."
The warrant for his arrest states "Lanigan did intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cause bodily injury" to a woman "under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life."
Dyer explained that police couldn't find Lanigan at the time that the report was made and that he's currently not eligible for release.
"Bail commissioners govern what the bail is, and in this particular case no bail is allowed," Dyer said.
With Election Day just a week away, a lot of members of the Legislature may have their attention focused on whether they will be re-elected or whether they will be un-seated by their opponents.
Lanigan is running against Democrat Patricia Kidder. Although his recent legal issues may require his attention, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows explained that having criminal charges doesn't legally prevent a candidate from running for or serving in state office.
"We count the ballots and certify the election results to the legislator," Bellows said. "Whether a candidate can serve if they have been charged with or convicted of a crime depends on the Legislature."
Other state leaders like House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham said there simply are not enough details available to comment on the matter.
"I have no comment at this time while legal process takes its course," Faulkingham said.