State Rep. accused of assault releases statement

BOSTON (WHDH) -- A State Representative charged with assaulting a female friend broke his silence Monday to proclaim his innocence.

State Rep. Carlos Henriquez was in court earlier on Monday, pleading not guilty to assault and kidnapping charges. Police say he struck a female friend and refused to let her out of a rented Zip Car Sunday morning.

Late Monday night Rep. Henriquez released a statement saying he’s dedicated himself to protecting women, not abusing or assaulting them, and that putting his hands on a woman is contradictory to his upbringing and morals.

“I want to thank all my family, friends, colleagues and particularly the community I am privileged to represent who have expressed their support, love, understanding and best wishes during this confusing and upsetting course of events,” Henriquez said in his released statement. “I have been accused of some serious charges. These allegations are completely untrue.”

Meanwhile, the alleged victim’s mother-in-law says she heard the whole incident as it unfolded.

“Yeah, he’s really mean, and that’s why I told [her] you need to get away from him,” she said. “I heard when she was screaming and I heard a car so I run downstairs and I opened the door -- that’s when I heard the car was taking off.”

Henriquez is scheduled to return to court September 27.