A Queens state senator was indicted today on domestic assault charges stemming from allegations that he slashed his girlfriend’s face with a piece of broken glass, prosecutors said.
A grand jury indicted Hiram Monserrate on three counts of second-degree felony assault and three counts of third-degree misdemeanor assault.
Monserrate, a Democrat, faces seven years in prison. He is expected to be arraigned later this week.
Monserrate was arrested after Karla Giraldo’s face was slashed on Dec. 19. The gash over her eye required 25 stitches.
Both said the incident was an accident.
Monserrate told police that he tripped while holding a glass of water and that the glass accidentally hit her.
According to the police report, Giraldo, 29, initially said she was assaulted, then changed her story after learning cops planned to arrest him.
Monserrate, 41, who was in Albany today for a legislative session, released a statement claiming he’s innocent.
“I’ve said all along this was accident,” he said. “Karla has said all along this was accident. The district attorney’s politically motivated decision to pursue this case doesn’t change the fact that this was an accident.”
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith released a statement this afternoon stating that Monserrate asked to “temporarily step down as chair of the Senate’s Consumer Affairs Committee.”
“I have accepted his request and such action is effective immediately,” he said. “Senator Monserrate will retain his duties as a member of the State Senate during this time, but will not have the privilege of serving as chair until such time as his legal proceedings have been completely resolved.”