Senator Parker Convicted of Misdemeanor Assault

Democratic State Senator Kevin Parker of Brooklyn was convicted today of misdemeanor charges arising out of a May 2009 confrontation with a photographer for the New York Post, but he was acquitted of felony assault charges.  Had Parker been convicted of a felony he would have been automatically expelled from the Senate.

Senator Parker’s sentencing has been scheduled for January 27^th; he could face jail time as a result of the conviction.  First elected to the Senate in 2001, Parker was arrested in 2005 for allegedly punching a traffic agent in the face.  Those charges were dismissed after Mr. Parker agreed to enroll in an anger management course.

In February 2010, the State Senate voted to expel then-Senator Hiram Monserrate after his conviction for misdemeanor assault.  No indication at this time as to whether the Senate will move to oust Senator Parker.