Former State Rep. Pleads Not Guilty To Violating Restraining Order

LAWRENCE, Mass. (CBS/AP) — A former state legislator, hired under controversial circumstances by the city of Lawrence, has been charged with violating a restraining order obtained by a former girlfriend.

Jose Santiago was released on his own recognizance after pleading not guilty Monday in Lawrence District Court.

Prosecutors said 53-year-old Santiago told the woman if she broke up with him "you're not going to be with anybody." Santiago's attorney said he denies being at a nightclub where the woman worked. Santiago was arrested Saturday in the club parking lot.

Santiago was hired by political ally Mayor William Lantigua to replace a public works department employee fired after taking unpaid leave to care for his cancer-stricken wife.

Santiago was fired from the Methuen police department in 2004 for refusing to take a retraining course at his own expense.

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