SANFORD, Maine — Maine Rep. Lucas Lanigan, R-Sanford, appeared in court for the first time Wednesday after being charged with domestic violence aggravated assault.
Lanigan attended the hearing remotely via Zoom from inside York County Jail.
According to court documents, Lanigan allegedly assaulted his wife Catalina, on Friday, Oct. 25, after she confronted him over an alleged affair. During the argument, Lanigan grabbed her neck and held it for approximately 20 seconds.
A police affidavit said Lanigan's wife was brought to Maine Medical Center. In addition to bruising on both sides of her neck, smaller marks were found on her face and inside her mouth, consistent with potential strangulation injuries, according to the York County District Attorney's Office.
During the hearing, Catalina spoke to counter the charges, describing the event as a "misunderstanding." She stated she had been drinking and intended to self-harm using tools. She stated her husband's actions were an attempt to prevent her from hurting herself.
"It wasn't an assault, your honor," Catalina said during the proceedings. "That’s my truth. I'm a woman in recovery. My husband was just trying to protect me."
The York County district attorney's office noted it is not uncommon for alleged victims of domestic violence to alter their stories, often downplaying incidents after the fact. The state is pursuing the case despite Catalina's statements.
Lanigan's bail was set at $3,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for March.
The charges come as Lanigan campaigns for re-election.