Lowell City Councilor Corey M. Robinson faces two counts of domestic assault and battery in connection with an alleged altercation with a woman he was dating. The 46-year-old councilor pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Lowell District Court yesterday, and he is scheduled to return to court on January 11, 2024, according to the Boston Globe.
As reported by Judge Michael Fabbri at the arraignment, Robinson was considered dangerous as a result of the "serious domestic assault" allegations. Several conditions were set for his release, including wearing a GPS monitoring device, and abstaining from contacting the alleged victim while the case is active_to split infinitive, according to the Lowell Sun. The judge's decision was based on the incident's details, which allege that Robinson put his hands around the woman's neck and pulled her hair.
Despite Robinson vehemently denying the allegations as noted by his defense attorney and former City Manager, John F. Cox, court records suggest a history of restraining orders and convictions tied to Robinson according to the Boston Globe. These come from charges dating back to 1998 and include resisting arrest, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a police officer. However, Cox challenges that Robinson was ever convicted.
The reaction among Lowell's city councilors varies. Many officials declined to comment, citing unfamiliarity with the case details. City Councilor Rita Mercier, who Robinson endorses as the coming council session's mayor, stated only God can pass judgment, not her according to a Lowell Sun report.
In view of Robinson's controversy, it is crucial to address his community contributions. First elected to represent District 2 in 2021 on the city council, he was comfortably reelected this past month. Lowell's municipal voting system was rendered district-based after a federal voting rights lawsuit in 2017; beforehand, it operated solely at large. Being sworn into office in 2022, Robinson became the first biracial person serving on the city council as the Boston Globe details.
Robinson also worked as a public sector laborer for the town of Tyngsborough, as well as in Lowell's public works department. He's serving as a vice president of a local branch in Tyngsborough for the SEIU Local 888 according to the Boston Globe.
Reporting will continue as the case unfolds, and everyone eagerly waits for more developments as we draw nearer to the January 11 court date.
