NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee State Rep. Torrey C. Harris, D-Memphis, was arrested in July on a domestic assault charge as well as allegedly stealing property from an ex-boyfriend.
According to documents from Metro Nashville Police, on July 15, the victim told police that he was assaulted by Harris at an apartment.
After returning a pet that Harris had been watching, the victim told officials that Harris came into the apartment to discuss their recent relationship and at one point, the victim attempted to leave the building.
This is when Harris reportedly attempted to prevent him from leaving. The victim said that Harris bear-hugged him and scratched his arm, even when he made it clear to Harris he wanted to leave.
The victim was eventually able to leave and returned when officers were present. While inside the apartment, the victim reported that several items were missing, several of them being items that Harris had bought him as gifts.
Officers were able to contact Harris via phone call and were told by the State Representative that he did in fact have the victim's dog, and that he had the other products as well, and had bought them for the victim as gifts.
On Tuesday afternoon, Harris released a statement in response to the arrest, saying he is "encouraged by the process and looking forward to moving on."
"I first want to say thank you for all the support and to those who have reached out during this time.
I have retained legal counsel and myself and the team are working diligently to cooperate with the investigation. I maintain my innocence and will plead not guilty to the charges. I know that at the end of this I will be cleared of all allegations.
My focus will remain on serving the people as it always has been, but my ask is that if someone you know — loved one, friend, or neighbor is battling with mental health, that you help them as best as you can. Never deter from supporting those who need us even at their toughest moments.
As for me, I want to say thank you for all the calls and to those who have reached out during this time. This has been a lived example that will help me better help those I serve. Trust me, I have already noticed steps in policy that lawmakers like myself must work to improve throughout the justice system.
Over the next couple of weeks you will learn more about this matter and I look forward to moving on after it is all said and done."
—State Rep. Torrey Harris
