Corvo Goes to Boston for Hearing

Defenseman Joe Corvo left Sunday for a hearing today at Boston Municipal Court, where he faces charges that he sexually assaulted and attacked a woman last November while on the roster of a Kings’ minor league affiliate.

Corvo, 26, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, his foot, and indecent assault and battery, both felonies. He also was charged with simple assault and battery, a misdemeanor.

Corvo pleaded not guilty to all charges last year. At the time, he was playing in Manchester, N.H.

It was originally believed the trial would be pushed back to a later date by request of the defense, but Corvo’s departure Sunday could signify an attempt to reach a plea bargain, said David Procopio, spokesman for Suffolk Dist. Atty. Daniel F. Conley.

“If it was just a continuance, there’s a good possibility he wouldn’t be coming out here,” Procopio said. “If he is coming out, perhaps his lawyer is trying to resolve this [today].”

A native of Oak Park, Ill., Corvo is accused of grabbing a female patron’s buttocks at a downtown Boston restaurant and lounge at about 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2002. According to the police report, he was asked to leave the restaurant but returned a short time later and punched the 34-year-old Boston woman in the face.

The woman collapsed to the floor, where Corvo, 6 feet 1 and 205 pounds, allegedly kicked her several times before fleeing to a nearby pub.

If convicted of the indecent assault charge, Corvo could face up to five years in state prison. If convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, he could face up to 10 years in state prison.

Corvo has three assists in eight games. It is not known if he will play Thursday against Vancouver.

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King center Jozef Stumpel is day-to-day because of a bruise in his shoulder/chest area. He left Saturday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period and did not return.