City Council member and State Senator-elect Hiram Monserrate is free on $5,000 bail after being arraigned Friday on charges stemming from an alleged attack on his girlfriend.

Monserrate pleaded not guilty Friday night to felony assault and weapons possession charges.

The arraignment came hours after the 41-year-old former city police officer was led from the 105th Precinct station house in handcuffs.

The Queens district attorney says early Friday morning, Monserrate and his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, had an argument about something in Giraldo’s purse and that Monserrate broke a glass and slashed her face.

Monserrate then took Giraldo to Long Island Jewish Hospital, where her injuries required 20 stitches.

Prosecutors say Monserrate initially told police he tripped while holding a glass of water and accidentally hit Giraldo. They say Giraldo originally claimed Monserrate attacked her, but later changed her story and said it was an accident.

At last night’s arraignment, the judge issued an order of protection for Giraldo.

Monserrate’s lawyer says Giraldo does not want to press charges.

Monserrate is well-known as an advocate for victims of domestic violence. His supporters say they cannot believe the charges.

“I know that Councilman Monserrate does not have an inch of violence in him,” said Martha Flores-Vasquez of Community Prevention Alternatives. “He’s just an advocate, a great advocate, especially for women and for youth. And I am standing here today to see what this is all about, because I know that there must be some kind of incident that occurred that does not involve him striking anyone, because that’s just not him.”

If convicted, Monserrate faces up to seven years in prison and would lose his New York State Senate seat.

He is due back in court January 16th.

Source: NY1