The state House of Representatives has expelled state Rep. Carlos Henriquez, who is serving a six-month jail sentence after being convicted of assaulting a former girlfriend.
The 146-5 vote came after less than two hours of debate. The expulsion takes effect immediately.
Henriquez, a Boston Democrat, addressed the chamber prior to the vote, again declaring his innocence. He said he chose not to heed calls to resign after his conviction because "an innocent man doesn't quit."
Henriquez left the chamber immediately after speaking. He was not allowed to vote.
He's the first member to be expelled from the chamber in nearly a century.
Lawmakers rejected by a 143-10 vote an amendment filed by Rep. Russell Holmes of Boston that would have called for the censure, but not dismissal, of Henriquez.
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