Ex-commissioner caught in sting

Former county commissioner Dave Mueller was charged Thursday with furnishing alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage to a minor.

On the same day, lawyer Brian Bina entered an appearance on Mueller’s behalf and stated that Mueller pleaded not guilty.

A status conference is set for Nov. 10.

The charge is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $200.

County attorney Michelle Brown said the charge was the result of a state Alcoholic Beverage Control sting in which a minor was sent into a store to buy alcohol.

If a clerk sells alcohol to him or her, agents enter the building and the clerk is charged.

She said her office would grant a diversion to Mueller if he asked, but noted that the cost of a diversion, which includes a fee, fine, and court costs, may exceed the benefit for Mueller, especially when Bina’s fees are added.

“I take the charge very seriously and have obtained an attorney, who has advised me not to talk about it,” Mueller said.

Mueller is one volunteer in a community-owned grocery store that has volunteers’ names and schedules posted on the wall.