State Senate Candidate David Mejias Charged With Stalking Ex

State Senate candidate and former county legislator Dave 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.

According to police, the 34-year-old woman noticed Mejias following her.

"The defendant passed her and abruptly stopped causing the victim to stop her vehicle," county police state. "Mejias exited his vehicle and approached the victim yelling and screaming at her. When the victim drove away from the scene the defendant continued to follow her. She eventually was able to elude him and reported the incident to police."

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; he has yet to post bail.

A disheveled Mejias stood before the judge Thursday morning, being represented by one of his partners in the law firm of Mejias Milgrim Alvarado, P.C. located across the street from the Hempstead courthouse.

"We just looked at the arrest papers," Alvarado said. "Mr. Mejias will make a statement later today."

According to a spokesperson for District Attorney Kathleen Rice, the 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.

"It is this office's opinion that by appointing a special prosecutor, the office can easily eliminate any chance that there could exist even the mere appearance of impropriety surrounding the future handling of this case," Carole Trottere said in an e-mailed statement.

The former Democratic county legislator is expected to run against Plainview resident Francesca Carlow in a Sept. 14 primary in hopes of unseating long time 6th District Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City. The district includes part of Massapequa.

Hannon had no comment.