State Senator Troy Brown Pleads Not Guilty To Simple Battery

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — State Sen. Troy Brown stands trial May 13 on a state simple battery charge in Orleans Parish Criminal Court.

Brown, a 44-year-old Democrat from Napoleonville, is accused of punching in the face a woman who police have described as his "side friend." Brown was originally booked on a municipal charge of misdemeanor domestic battery charge.

Police have said the alleged incident happened during a stay at the Hyatt Regency after the Bayou Classic. Brown has previously said he could not remember the incident. He said a traffic accident in 1991 resulted in brain damage and caused short term memory loss.

WWL-TV reports Brown was not in Judge Laurie White's courtroom for his arraignment Friday. His attorney, former state Sen. Edwin Murray, entered a not guilty plea on Brown's behalf.

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Information from: WWL-TV, http://wwltv.com

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