wcbstv.com - Queens Councilman Surrenders To Police:
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(CBS) NEW YORK It has been a fall from grace for a New York City politician.
Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher surrendered to authorities on rape charges on Friday.
It was a devastating image. Gallagher surrendered Friday morning at the 112th Precinct. He was led out in handcuffs on the way to his arraignment.
Appearing before a judge, he pleaded not guilty, and was arraigned on $200,000 bail, much of it put up by his brother.
Outside, he was greeted by a crush of media. He labored to make his way down Queens Boulevard, accompanied by his wife, who held his hand despite charges he raped a 52-year-old grandmother.
"I will be vindicated," Gallagher said.
Queens DA Richard Brown outlined the charges that could put the councilman away for 25 years.
"He is alleged to have forcibly raped and sexually abused, physically abused and assaulted her," Brown said.
Gallagher's accuser has told cops that she met the married councilman at a bar near his home. The two ended up in his council office in Middle Village. There, the two had sexual relations. The woman told police Gallagher raped her there, sparking a police raid of his office that led to Friday's indictment.
His lawyer claimed Friday that no rape occurred.
"What we're really saying is something happened but it was consensual, long and short of it," attorney Stephen Mahler said. "It's not a whodunit, just a matter of he said she said."
Gallagher won't have to give up his council seat unless he's convicted. But the Ethics Committee has launched an investigation, and he'll have a lot of questions to answer from his constituents.
Gallagher is due back in court on Sept. 28.
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