AUGUSTA, Maine - Augusta police say a man who threw a cup of bedbugs onto a counter at the municipal office building in Augusta has been charged with two misdemeanors.
Charles Manning released the bugs in the General Assistance office after learning he didn't qualify for help finding a new apartment, after he'd left one with a bedbug infestation. The building had to be closed for the day, so it could be sprayed.
Augusta Police Lt. Chris Read says his department, along with the District Attorney's office, decided on the charges. "He was charged with assault and obstructing government administration - both of those are class D misdemeanor crimes."
Manning will appear in court Aug. 7. If he's found guilty, Read says Manning could be required to pay a fine of up to $2,000 and spend up to a year in prison.
Maine Public was not able to find a phone number for Manning, and it's not clear if he's represented by a lawyer.
