Wheatley charges to be dropped

From Moriah Balingit at the main site:

A district judge today agreed to drop a simple assault charge against state Rep. Jake Wheatley, arrested last week when his fiancee told police he pushed her down during a dispute over child care expenses.

Both Mr. Wheatley, 40, and Angela Mike, 41, were charged with simple assault following the argument last Friday morning. The charge against Ms. Mike was withdrawn today, while the charge against Mr. Wheatley will be withdrawn after a 90 days provided he is not arrested again for violent contact.

Mr. Wheatley is a Democrat and was first elected to the House in 2003.

According to a criminal complaint, Pittsburgh officers went to their Hill District home one morning last week. Ms. Mike told officers Mr. Wheatley had thrown water on her face, grabbed her by her arms and pushed her to the floor.

When she tried to get up, according to the report, he pushed her to the floor again causing two minor scrapes to her left hand.

She told police Mr. Wheatley scattered things around the kitchen while she called 911. Mr. Wheatley left.

The report notes that the kitchen floor was "soiled with condiments." While officers were investigating, Mr. Wheatley returned to the home. He had a scrape to his left knee with slight bleeding, according to the criminal complaint.

Mr. Wheatley told police that he and Ms. Mike were arguing over child care when she became angry and charged at him.

Attorneys for both Ms. Mike and Mr. Wheatley said they were pleased with the arrangement since the couple has since reconciled.

Mr. Wheatley apologized profusely following the hearing.

"I apologize to my constituents and my family," he said.

His attorney, Blaine Jones, declined to say whether he contested any of the allegations in the affidavit.

Ms. Mike's attorney, Reginald Bridges, said charges were dropped against her because she contested that she got physical with Mr. Wheatley.