Bethel Rep faces motor vehicle charges

Newtown (WTNH) - A Connecticut state representative faces multiple violations after he was pulled over by police in Newtown.

Rep. Jason Bartlett was pulled over just before 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning on Church Road.

According to police, Bartlett was was talking on his cell phone without a hands free device.

Police also said Bartlett was driving on a suspended license, and he was in a car that was not registered.

Bartlett, a Democrat, represents the 2nd District which covers Bethel, Danbury and Redding.

News Channel 8 spoke with Representative Bartlett in Hartford, Wednesday. He said police were unable to tell him why his license was suspended.

News Channel 8 also checked DMV records and discovered Bartlett was stopped in April of 2008 for the exact same violation he was stopped for on Tuesday: improper use of a cell phone while driving.

"I would never knowingly drive with a license that wasn't active," he said.

Yet that's exactly what he had been doing since August of 08. He said he never received any warnings; the DMV said he ignored them.

Bartlett has paid a heavy fine and his license is back in good standing. His standing among his community is still under review.

Representative Bartlett has taken steps to avoid making the mistake again; purchasing a wireless speakerphone for his car his one of them.

"You can use it hands free by just putting it on you visor," he said.