NEW YORK (AP) - A Manhattan prosecutor is accused of assaulting a woman at a midtown bar.
According to court papers, Eli Cherkasky pleaded not guilty to charges of misdemeanor assault, obstruction of breathing and other charges.
Prosecutors say the alleged incident occurred inside the Faite bar on Second Avenue on Nov. 1.
Cherkasky allegedly grabbed the woman by the arms, berated her and dared her to hit him. The complaint says he then pushed her onto a couch, knelt over her and choked her.
Cherkasky declined to comment. His attorney said he was confident the charges were unfounded.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office has recused itself from the case; it will be handled by the Bronx district attorney’s office.
The woman was treated at a hospital.
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