The chief executive of a Charlotte non-profit who was arrested and charged with assaulting a female has been placed on administrative leave, the organization announced Wednesday.
According to the arrest warrant and reporting by the Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Works CEO Patrick Graham choked a woman and hit her in the face, resulting in a “busted lip.” Graham shares custody of a child with the woman, according to a statement made by his attorney Monday.
Graham, 47, was arrested at his home in north Charlotte Thursday night. He was then brought to the Mecklenburg County Jail early Friday morning and was released that same day on a $2,500 bond, according to police records.
The police report mentioned domestic violence and stated that no weapons were used in the alleged assault.
Charlotte Works, a non-profit that provides workforce development services, announced Graham’s paid administrative leave in a statement Wednesday and said the Board of Directors will “continue to monitor the situation as facts emerge.”
Graham’s attorney, Harold Cogdell Jr., told the Observer the allegations were “false” and said Graham “did not assault his accuser.” He also said that Graham is “eagerly awaiting his day in court.”
Graham's scheduled court date is June 28.