A former R.I. attorney general candidate and lawyer for a local jewelry company faces charges of domestic simple assault and resisting arrest.
Robert E. Rainville, 43, of East Greenwich was arrested after his wife called 911 before midnight on Nov. 16, the police report said, complaining he was drunk and belligerent.
Maria Rainville told the police she confronted him on the front steps as she held her 1-year-old child when, she alleges, he pushed her into the house, twisted her wrist and threatened to "drop" her if she put the baby down.
Rainville, who is general counsel for Rhode Island-based Alex and Ani, pleaded not guilty at a Nov. 23 arraignment and was released on a promise to appear in court. A pre-trial conference was held in District Court, Warwick, Friday.
His lawyer, Emile F. Martineau, said there is no merit to the charges.