City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers said in a statement Aug. 6 that she is aware of the charges against Common Councilmember Christopher Grant and called them “deeply concerning.”
Grant, who represents the city’s Sixth Ward, was arrested earlier this week on felony charges of assault, burglary, strangulation and unlawful imprisonment in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident on Aug. 1.
According to court documents, Grant allegedly entered a woman’s home, struck her in the head with a closed fist, then put his hands around her throat and applied pressure. He allegedly did all this in the presence of the woman’s 9-year-old daughter, and for that he also was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.
“The conduct described has no place in our community or among those trusted with public service,” Flowers said in her statement. “Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects far too many individuals and families, and it should never be tolerated.”
“At the same time, our system of justice requires that every person be afforded due process,” Flowers continued. “Councilmember Grant, like any individual charged with a crime, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It is important that the legal process be allowed to proceed without interference.”
Members of the common council made similar comments in a separate statement, also issued Aug. 6.
That statement, led by Nathan Shook, vice chair of the common council, read in part, “These charges are very serious and of grave concern to the entire council. Domestic violence is not to be tolerated from anyone, particularly an elected official.”
“As someone who has experienced domestic violence, I understand the lasting impact it can have on individuals and families,” the mayor continued. “That experience has strengthened my commitment to supporting survivors, encouraging those in need to seek help, supporting legislation that strengthens protections for survivors, and ensuring that domestic violence is never minimized or ignored in our community.”
“Out of respect for the judicial process and everyone involved, I will not comment further while this matter is pending,” Flowers concluded.
Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Poughkeepsie officials respond after councilman charged with assaulting woman
Reporting by Mike Randall, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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By Mike Randall, Poughkeepsie Journal | USA TODAY Network
