Anger-prone state Sen. Kevin Parker is still facing seven years in jail for allegedly battering a Post photographer – despite frantic efforts by his legal team to cut his punishment to nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
Parker was arraigned today on felony assault charges after being accused of attacking shutterbug William Lopez, breaking his finger and damaging his car and camera in May as the newsman worked on a story about the Brooklyn pol’s $610,000 Flatbush home going into foreclosure.
The Democrat hoped the charge would be downgraded to a misdemeanor, forcing him to take anger-management classes but letting him keep his state Senate seat.
Even prosecutors suggested the deal was imminent, warning Lopez this week to expect his alleged attacker to avoid prison time.
Yesterday, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office changed its tune.
“We will not agree to any plea deal without the victim’s consent,” said a spokesman for the DA.
“If Mr. Lopez objects to it, there will be no deal. From discussions with him so far, it is obvious he does object.”
Parker, dressed in a tan suit and red tie, looked relaxed in Brooklyn Supreme Court, grinning as he waited to be arraigned.
Asked outside court if he still hoped the felony charge would be downgraded, he said, “We’ll see what happens. The DA and my attorney are continuing to speak.
“I have nothing to worry about. I’m innocent, and innocent people have nothing to fear.”
(Source: NY Post)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
2 Responses
if NYS Senator Kevin Parker is forced to resign his seat , would someone like to guess who the Governor Patterson would name to replace him ,
Senator Parkers Office Helped me when No One else would. It is tough dealing with bureaucracy and prejudice, His office did so on my behalf and followed thru, He stood up for people in need, he is a doer. I am Grateful for his offices assistance, they where a good shaleach, (messenger).