Gallagher testifies before grand jury

Maintaining his position that he &#8220committed no wrongdoing,” embattled politician Dennis Gallagher testified before a grand jury investigating rape allegations on Wednesday, August 1, according to his attorney, Stephen Mahler.
Gallagher's testimony lasted for two hours before a full Queens grand jury of 23 people.
&#8220He vehemently denied any wrongdoing,” said Mahler. &#8220He felt, over the advice of counsel, that he owed it to his constituents to not use legal strategy to avoid testimony. He does not want to hide behind legal jargon.”
Gallagher, a married Republican City Councilmember with two children, has been accused of rape by a 52-year-old woman in his Middle Village district office on July 9.
He asserts, through his attorney, that any sexual relations were, in fact, consensual.
&#8220He maintains that he is innocent,” said Mahler.
Gallagher's alleged victim has already appeared before the grand jury.
She claims that she met the councilmember at Danny Boy's bar and that he offered her a ride home, but instead brought her to his office - where, she says, he restrained her hands, forced her to her knees and raped her.
Following the alleged incident, the woman filed a police report with the 104th Precinct, after which time police obtained a warrant and searched Gallagher's headquarters for DNA evidence.
Mahler claims that his client willingly submitted a DNA sample soon after, and that he has &#8220faith in the [judicial] system.”