Queens Councilman Gallagher Free on Bail Amid Rape Charges

New York, NY —

Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher has avoided spending the weekend at Rikers Island by posting $200,000 bail.

REPORTER: Gallagher was arraigned on ten counts of rape and sexual assault and turned himself in Friday. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, says the charges are particularly troubling because they involve a public official who has special responsibility to obey the law.

BROWN: If proven, the charges constitute not only very serious violations of our criminal laws, but a breach of the trust we have place in and that we have a right to expect of our public officials. It is also is a reminder of the fact that no one is above the law.

REPORTER: Gallagher reportedly told the grand jury that while he did have sexual contact with his accuser in his Queens office, it was consensual. D.A. Brown says the evidence shows otherwise.

Gallagher has asked to be temporarily removed from his committee assignments while he contends with the charges.