Jailed Mass. state Rep. Henriquez defends himself on Twitter

BOSTON (AP) - Jailed state Rep. Carlos Henriquez is defending himself a day after the Massachusetts House Ethics Committee recommended he be expelled following his conviction for assaulting a former girlfriend.

In a three-page statement posted on his Twitter account, Henriquez proclaimed his innocence and said he's never engaged in domestic violence.

Henriquez also said the use of an all-white jury in his case "can raise doubts about fairness" and that he has remained focused on the needs of his district.

The full House will vote Thursday on whether to accept the committee's report. If they do, Henriquez will be expelled immediately.

Henriquez disputed the committee's recommendation, arguing that it was misapplying a House rule originally designed to target members for financial improprieties.

Henriquez said his independent judgment has never been impaired and that he's never broken a House rule.

Cox Media Group