BOSTON (AP) — The speaker of the Massachusetts House has asked for the immediate resignation of a lawmaker who was sentenced to six months in jail after being convicted of assaulting a former girlfriend.
Carlos Henriquez, a Boston Democrat, was found guilty on Wednesday by a Cambridge District Court jury of two assault and battery charges. He was acquitted of a third assault and battery charge, as well as larceny and witness intimidation charges.
The woman told police Henriquez punched and choked her during the July 2012 incident that began in Arlington.
Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in light of the verdict Henriquez should resign from the chamber immediately.
DeLeo said he was referring the case to the House Ethics Committee, which could recommend action up to and including expulsion.
Gov. Deval Patrick also called on Henriquez to step down.
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