Mass. Lawmakers Expel Rep. Convicted of Assault

Charges of assault and battery on woman who wouldn't have sex with him

BOSTON -- The House of Representatives voted to expel State Representative Carlos Henriquez from the chamber on Thursday.

Several legislators, including Gov. Deval Patrick, have called for the Dorchester Democrat to resign since his conviction on two misdemeanor charges of assault and battery on a woman who reportedly declined to have sex with him.

Throughout the ordeal, Henriquez has insisted on his innocence.

Henriquez is now the fourth sitting member of the state legislature to be kicked out of either body since 1900. Former State Representatives Frank Gethro were expelled from the House in 1906 and 1916, respectively. In the Senate, former State Senator Joseph DiCarlo was expelled in 1977.