A Southold man was arraigned on felony gun charges Tuesday morning after he was caught with a handgun and a high-capacity magazine while being arrested on a stalking complaint Monday afternoon, authorities said.

Scott A. Kessler, 50, had left voicemails and handwritten notes for a woman for several months and approached the woman at her home about 8:45 a.m. Monday, according to a criminal complaint.

Police had advised Mr. Kessler to avoid the woman after previous domestic incidents last August and November, the complaint states.

Mr. Kessler was arrested at his Southold residence about 2 p.m. Monday, where police found a .45 caliber Glock handgun with a 13-round high capacity magazine, according to the criminal complaint.

Mr. Kessler was previously arrested for DWI and leaving the scene of an accident following a Nov. 2010 crash in Peconic, according to an earlier Suffolk Times story, which referenced a prior DWI conviction.

Because of his prior conviction, Mr. Kessler was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies, the complaint states. He was also charged with fourth-degree stalking, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation.

Mr. Kessler has worked as a mechanic with the town’s department of public works since 2005, according to town records. Shortly after his arrest, the Town Board scheduled an emergency executive session to discuss a personnel matter today.  It was not immediately clear if the meeting was connected with Mr. Kessler’s arrest or if any action was taken.

Mr. Kessler pleaded not guilty in Southold Town Justice Court Tuesday morning. He was held on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

psquire@timesreview.com