A Massachusetts state representative was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend and sentenced to six months in jail on Wednesday, NECN reported.
Democrat Carlos Henriquez was convicted in Cambridge District Court of two assault and battery charges. However, he was acquitted of a third assault and battery charge in addition to larceny and witness intimidation charges.
According to police, Henriquez choked and punched Katherine Gonzalvez in the summer of 2012.
Prosecutors alleged the lawmaker picked up Gonzalvez in Arlington and began assaulting her in the car. He also grabbed her cell phone. Once he drove to Boston, she jumped out of the car and called police.
A lawyer for Henriquez claimed Gonzalvez had an inconsistent account of events and argued that no one could support her claims.
Judge Michele B. Hogan said she didn't feel that Henriquez felt remorse for the attack.
"When a woman tells you she does not want to have sex, that means 'I do not want to have sex,'" Hogan said. "You don't punch her, you don't take her on a ride she doesn't want to be taken on."
In addition to six months in prison, Hogan also ordered two years probation.
Several Republicans in the state House of Representatives have called for Henriquez's resignation. In a statement, Rep. Elizabeth Poirier (R-North Attleboro) said "it is time for him to leave this institution which should in no way condone violence against women."
"As elected officials, we must hold ourselves to the highest level of moral and ethical conduct. Mr. Henriquez has breached the trust of his colleagues and constituents, and his reprehensible actions will not be tolerated," Poirier added.
