Monserrate Busted For Hitting Girlfriend In Domestic Dispute

State Sen.-elect Hiram Monserrate State Sen.-elect and outgoing City Council Member Hiram Monserrate was arrested last Friday, Dec. 19 for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend during an apparent dispute at his Jackson Heights apartment, law enforcement sources said.

The 41-year-old two-term legislator was reportedly taken into custody by members of the 105th Precinct after he sought treatment for the 30-year-old victim at Long Island Jewish Medical Center on the Queens/Nassau border.

Monserrate, a Democrat who has represented parts of Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights in the City Council for seven years, is scheduled to resign in January just prior to taking the 13th State Senate district seat he won in an uncontested election in November.

In a statement released to the press following his arraignment, the legislator denied any criminal wrongdoing, claiming that the charges against him were "the result of an unfortunate accident involving myself and someone whom I care for deeply and love."

According to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, the incident took place at around 1 a.m. last Friday morning inside Monserrate's apartment on 83rd Street.

While arguing with the 30-yearold woman, law enforcement sources said, Monserrate allegedly broke a drinking glass he was holding in his hand and then struck her in the face with one of the shards, causing lacerations above her left eye.

Reportedly, the legislator later brought the victim to Long Island Jewish Medical Center, where she received 20 stitches to close her wounds.

"Despite [her] initial reticence and reluctance to go to the hospital, my sole concern was to provide her with immediate medical attention," Monserrate said in his statement. "In her distress, she insisted that she would not go to Elmhurst Hospital."

Monserrate's Jackson Heights residence is just blocks from Elmhurst Hospital Center. The victim was brought to Long Island Jewish, the legislator claimed, since his family received previous treatment there.

The incident was later reported by hospital staff to the 105th Precinct. Monserrate was brought by officers from the command to their Queens Village stationhouse for questioning and was subsequently charged with two counts of second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney's office, Monserrate was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court later that Friday night before Judge Toko Serita and was released on $2,500 bail. A court order of protection was also issued prohibiting him from any contact with the victim.

The legislator is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 16. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Assistant District Attorney Scott E. Kessler, chief of the D.A.'s Domestic Violence Bureau, is prosecuting the case.

It was noted that the criminal charges are merely accusations and Monserrate is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Jackson Heights resident and former police officer was first elected to the City Council in 2001. During his tenure, he served as chairperson of the Veterans Committee and a member of the Fire and Criminal Justice Services, Public Safety, and State and Federal Legislation committees.

After being re-elected to the seat in 2005, he challenged then-State Sen. John Sabini a year later in the Democratic primary for the 13th State Senate district seat the covers portions of Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside. Monserrate narrowly lost his bid for the nomination and was said to be considering a rematch in 2008.

Sabini resigned from the seat earlier this year after being appointed by Gov. David Paterson as chairperson of the state's Racing and Wagering Board. Monserrate won the vacant seat unopposed in the Nov. 4 general election.

Calls charges 'offensive'

The Senator-elect called the charges against him "offensive" and "crushing on a personal level." While claiming his innocence in the matter, Monserrate noted in his statement that he worked for years as a police officer and Council member to protect victims of domestic violence.

"I would like to reiterate to my constituents and community that I have absolutely nothing to hide and all facts will become known at the appropriate time," Monserrate added in his statement. "I would like to caution those who might be tempted to rush to judgment on press reports that are inaccurate and based upon speculation and misinformation. Such conclusions will be found ultimately to be grossly erroneous and unjust. Further, I have serious concerns about the manner in which this case has been handled.

"In the meantime, I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support I have received during this difficult time, and look forward to continuing my role as the new representative of this community in the New York State Senate," he concluded.