Representative Carlos Henriquez pleads not guilty to kidnapping charges; released on personal recognizance

By Brian R. Ballou and John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

MEDFORD - Flanked by a high profile Boston defense attorney, Dorchester state Representative Carlos A. Henriquez today pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and assault charges stemming from an altercation with his then-girlfriend in Arlington last month.

Henriquez did not speak during his brief arraignment in Cambridge District Court, which is housed in Medford. He appeared with two lawyers: Attorney Jeffrey Denner and attorney Stephanie Soriano-Mills who represented Henriquez when he pleaded not guilty in Roxbury Municipal Court last month to charges related to the same incident.

Henriquez was released on personal recognizance. He told reporters outside the courthouse that he was looking forward to resolving the case in court and that he can’t wait to turn his attention to key issues in his district.

Henriquez was arrested by Boston police last month after his then-girlfriend, Katherine Gonzalves, escaped from his car near Northeastern University early on the morning of July 8.

In police reports and at a press conference held last month, Gonzalez alleged that Henriquez came to her Arlington home and that the couple got into the rear seat of the vehicle and began kissing.

But when Gonzalez told Henriquez she had to return home, he allegedly physically assaulted her, stole the battery out of her cellphone and then forced her to stay inside his car while he drove into Boston where she managed to free herself on Forsyth Street.

Henriquez, a first term lawmaker, has prevously called Gonzalez’s allegations “competely untrue.’’ In response, Gonzalez told reporters, “I have told the truth about this incident and will continue to do so.’’

Today, Cambridge District Court Judge Roanne Sragow ordered Northeastern to provide surveillance videos from the scene to attorneys involved in the case. She also ordered Henriquez to comply with the restraining order Gonzalez has obtained against Henriquez.

Gonzalez was not in court today.

Arlington police have charged Henriquez with kidnapping, witness intimidation, three counts of assault and battery, and larceny under $250. In Roxbury court, he is facing charges of kidnapping, intimidation of a witness, and larceny under $250.

In a statement, Middlesex District Attorney Gerard T. Leone Jr. called the allegations against Henriquez “serious criminal charges.’’

“These are serious criminal charges against a publicly elected official who holds a position of trust within our state government,” he said in the statement. “We will continue to work on behalf of victims of domestic violence, reducing barriers against disclosure, and holding offenders accountable.”