I have been reluctant to comment on the current legal and personal problems of my local NYC Councilperson and soon to be NY State Senator Hiram Monserrate. Last week, Monseratte was arrested on domestic violence charges against his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, after he brought her to a hospital miles away from their home with a black eye and a gash that required 20 stitches to close.

The story gets sketchy after that. Monseratte has been charged with felony assault and insists that he tripped and fell with a glass in his hand. Others are saying that there was a struggle after Monseratte found “drugs” in Giraldo’s purse. There is even talk in the media about Monseratte being a Scientologist.

The only person who has not been heard from is the girlfriend, Karla Giraldo and everyone should respect her privacy. I sincerely hope that she is being quiet by her own choice and not because she is being forced to over concerns of the political future of Monseratte. Already some are calling for him not be sworn in as NY State Senator and to resign.

I had a hard time deciding to write about this because the story of an accident that leads to a black eye and large cut doesn’t feel right and my instinct is to give the woman the benefit of the doubt. Pero I also have a history with Monserrate going back to when he was a part of the Latino Officers Association and was very supportive of Latino families of police brutality victims and racial violence victims. As far as I knew, he was always open to the needs of the community and could be spotted in local joints getting his hair cut.

My wishes go to Ms. Giraldo so that she heals and so that the truth comes out, now for our benefit, but for hers.

Via / NY Daily News, Gothamist, Gawker