Former ATF Head Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges

The former head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Vermont has pleaded not guilty to domestic and simple assault charges.

The Burlington Free Press reports 44-year-old James Mostyn was released on conditions from superior court in Rutland following his arraignment this month.

Mostyn is scheduled to be back in court March 4 on the misdemeanors. One stems from a November confrontation with a co-worker. Mostyn said there was no assault. The other arises from an incident with his girlfriend's son.

Mostyn was one of the investigators who helped secure confessions from one of the three Sheffield-area men charged with murder in the slaying of 78-year-old Mary "Pat" O'Hagan. She was shot in the back of the head during a home invasion in 2010.