Jersey City Councilman Steve Lipski said in an exclusive interview with the Reporter last night that he had entered a plea in a Washington D.C. court earlier that day in connection with the Nov. 7 incident in a D.C. nightclub that made headlines around the county.
Lipski was arrested on Nov. 7 for simple assault for allegedly urinating f rom a balcony during a Grateful Dead tribute concert in Washington D.C.’s “Nightclub 9:30.” Lipski has not publicly discussed all of the details of the incident, but did apologize to the public at a November council caucus meeting where he also acknowledged that he is a recovering alcoholic.
Lipski, who is the president of the CREATE charter school and has been a councilman representing the Journal Square since 2001, said he received a sentence of one year probation with the possibility of it being reduced to six months based on good behavior and performing community service and seeking alcohol counseling.
Lipski said his sentence was based on entering what is known as an “Alford plea,” in which the defendant does not admit the act and asserts innocence, but admits that sufficient evidence exists that could convince a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty.
Lipski said he was facing six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if he did not agree to the plea.
Lipski said he had a mix of emotions after he settled his case. He left court accompanied by his wife, Yraida.
“I was thankful, remorseful, embarrassed and disappointed in myself – and relieved,” Lipski said.
Lipski continued, “This unfortunate set of circumstances in some capacity smeared my reputation and has negatively impacted my family, friends, and community, and for that I am deeply sorrowful and apologetic.”
Lipski will further on settling his case and the impact of the incident on his personal and professional life in a future edition of the Jersey City Reporter.