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June 7, 2012

House candidate pleads not guilty to theft charge

An Augusta man running for state representative has pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted theft by deception for allegedly falsifying documents in an attempt to receive public campaign funding. Republican Michael Hein, who's seeking the House District 57 seat, appeared yesterday in court, according to the Bangor Daily News.

Hein allegedly signed forms showing 67 Maine people had given him $5 donations, exceeding the 60-donor threshold needed to qualify for $5,000 in Clean Election funding. However, the money was allegedly his, and at least 13 people on his donor list said they did not contribute to his campaign. Neither Hein nor his attorney offered comment on the case. The charges followed an investigation by the Maine Attorney General's Office. Hein did not receive public funding.

The Republican primary vote for the district is next week, and Hein faces Andrew Worcester.

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