Mayor Tells Council He’s Innocent
Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett sent a letter to be read at the City Council meeting Tuesday night saying he is innocent of charges that he beat and kidnapped his 35-year-old girlfriend.
Bartlett, 60, did not attend the first council meeting to be held since news of his arrest on suspicion of attacking Monica Godfrey at her San Bernardino home.
Eric Faith, a friend and an attorney who was once on the council with him, read the letter to the crowded chamber. In it, Bartlett said he would not attend upcoming council meetings because the controversy might disrupt the proceedings.
San Bernardino police arrested Bartlett on April 15. The popular mayor, known as “Mr. Monrovia” to many constituents, is charged with battery on a cohabitant, making terrorist threats and false imprisonment. Bartlett pleaded not guilty at his April 18 arraignment and posted $100,000 bail. He is due in San Bernardino Superior Court on May 24.
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