Four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of harassment in connection with an August domestic violence incident in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., according to published reports.
The pleading was first reported by WNYT, an NBC affiliate in Albany, N.Y.
The harassment plea was reduced from the original charge of criminal obstruction of breathing, a misdemeanor. Brown was arrested the night of Aug. 17 after a female acquaintance of his told police she used a key to enter Brown's residence and discovered him with another woman. Prosecutors said the victim claims Brown pushed her down a stairway, pinned her to the floor, attempted to choke her, then threw her out of the house.
During an Aug. 18 arraignment, Brown's attorney told Judge Francine Vero the incident was a “home invasion,” according to the Albany Times-Union.
The guilty plea for harassment comes with a sentence of one year of conditional discharge, meaning if Brown meets the conditions set by the court over the next year he will face no further consequences and the guilty plea will not be on his permanent record. Brown appeared in court with his attorney.
According to Daily Racing Form, the conditions include evaluation by a certified behavior health professional.
The victim of the harassment received a two-year order of protection from the court. The woman, who has not been named, is employed by another New York trainer.
Saratoga horse trainer Chad Brown pleads guilty to reduced charge in case against ex-girlfriend https://t.co/Eky74pTlY5
— WNYT NewsChannel 13 (@WNYT) November 14, 2022
In a statement issued to media by his attorney, Matthew Chauvin, Brown stated: “While I'm satisfied to put this unfortunate incident behind me and pleased that as a result I will not have a criminal record, I regret details of my personal life being made public through the media.
“For this, I apologize to my family, friends, clients, and coworkers. I can and will do better in the future. I greatly appreciate all who have supported me throughout this ordeal.”
Brown has faced no sanctions from racing regulators or individual racetracks over the incident.
The post Report: Trainer Chad Brown Pleads Guilty To Reduced Charge In Domestic Violence Case appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
