Monserrate Assault Trial Begins

NEW YORK (AP) - A prosecutor says a domestic abuse case against a New York state senator is about "power and control."

Assistant District Attorney Scott Kessler said in opening arguments Monday that Hiram Monserrate was angry because his girlfriend had another man's cell phone and union card.

Monserrate has pleaded not guilty to assault charges in the December incident. He's accused of slicing his girlfriend's face with broken glass during an argument.

He says it was an accident. Kessler says the girlfriend told hospital workers that it wasn't. The wound required 20 stitches.

Later, when she saw him in custody, she changed her account.

State Supreme Court Justice William Erlbaum is hearing the case in Queens.

Monserrate faces prison and the loss of his senate seat if convicted on the top charge.

Comments

[LeeCalif]

07:48 PM on 09/22/2009

What a lame littledick.

He needs to be taught a lesson.

[HarlemFreeThought]

08:59 PM on 09/21/2009

I almost upchucked my dinner as i saw who Monserrate's new lawyer - none other than close friend Joseph Tacopina.
Slappy Hiram waived his right to a jury, gee I wonder why?

[ImissBush]

06:53 PM on 09/21/2009

& this is the wonderful gut the dems & reps were fightin ovr

makes 1 proud 2b a NYer