JUDGE ISSUES COMPLAINT IN ST. JAMES GATE ALLEGED ASSAULT

A municipal judge Thursday found probable cause to issue an assault complaint against a St. James Gate bartender for an alleged attack against a patron two weeks ago.

Judge John Paparazzo of Bloomfield Municipal Court made the ruling this morning after a short hearing that involved claims against bartender James Meade by South Orange resident Ethan Kresofsky.

The case, related to an incident the night of Jan. 7, 2013, was transferred to the Bloomfield Municipal Court because of a conflict involving the South Orange/Maplewood municipal court judge.

At issue is a claim by Kresofsky, 24, that he was attacked by Meade early on Jan. 8, 2013, after asking to be served. He also claimed Meade used an anti-gay slur against him.

"I was there with a few friends. I go up to the bar, I ask him for a drink and he says 'no,'" Kresofsky told the judge in court today. "He says, 'what are you? a fucking faggot?' I said, 'yes, what of it.'"

Kresofsky said Meade then allegedly assaulted him, spit at him and tried to open his mouth with his hands, causing Kresofsky to bite Meade.

Kresofsky said he was punched in the face by Meade and allegedly kicked in the head.

Meade was not in court today, nor was an attorney there on his behalf. St. James Gate issued a statement on the incident in recent weeks.

It can be found HERE.

Judge Paparazzo said the next court date has yet to be set and could held in either Maplewood or Bloomfield. "Where they send the case is not up to me," the judge said.

Also in attendance were two witnesses, who did not speak to the judge. Kresofsky's mother, Eva, also attended.

"This is what we wanted to happen," she said afterward.