Mejias Issues Statement on Arrest

Following his arrest and arraignment state Senate hopful Dave Mejias released the following statement Thursday:

"As reported, last night I was arrested on misdemeanor charges. As a county legislator, I fully supported the policy in Nassau County that mandates that any person implicated in a possible domestic dispute be arrested immediately regardless of whether the facts have been established.

"Even after a night in jail, I strongly support the policy. I have nothing to hide, and have every confidence that when the facts are known and established I will be completely exonerated of all charges. I am fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.

"I have spent a lifetime, both as a private citizen and as a county legislator, working for equality for all, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation. My work as a pro-bono attorney for, and my unwavering support of, the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the victims they so passionately protect is well documented.

"It is my core belief that domestic violence of any kind should never be tolerated.
When I entered the race for State Senate in the 6th district, I did so to continue and expand upon the work I have done to protect Long Island families. The values of equality for all and equal protection and safety under the law have shaped me and embodied all facets of my life, both personal and professional.

"Through the actions of Albany politicians, we have seen that they are more concerned about protecting the dysfunctional status quo than protecting these fundamental rights and protections that every New Yorker are entitled to. My passion to uphold these values has not been diminished by these unfounded allegations. I am grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, family, colleagues and supporters. I will be taking these next few days to develop with them a plan to ensure that the progressive change in Albany that Long Island families so desperately need moves forward."

Mejias was arraigned Thursday morning on stalking, menacing and reckless endangerment charges after Nassau police say he followed his ex-girlfriend and began screaming at her when he forced her car to stop on Piping Rock Road in Matinecock Wednesday afternoon.

Mejias, who lives in Farmingdale, was held overnight at the Second Precinct in Woodbury following his arrest. All charges are A misdemeanors that carry up to a possible year in jail.

A First District court judge set bail at $1,000 over $500 on each of the two dockets and ordered Mejias to stay away from his ex and the male friend in the car with her at the time of the incident.

Mejias is being represented by Miguel Alvarado, a partner in the law firm of Mejias Milgrim Alvarado, P.C. in Hempstead.

The county district attorney's office has requested that a special prosecutor handle this case due to a personal relationship that exists between the victim, her family and the district attorney.