City Council Candidate Addresses Arrest Record

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by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: Aug 31, 2011 at 11:16 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2011 at 7:21 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The campaign signs are up at 52-year-old Mohamed Moustafa's cab company.  His recent battle with the city over limiting the number of cab companies operating at the airport inspired him to run for council.  He says current leaders are destroying the city, one small business at a time.  "There is (sic) city official on board that is (sic) a failure, they're losers, they are corrupt," says Moustafa.

Moustafa says he has the support of several fellow business owners.  He says voters will support him too, despite an arrest record in Mecklenburg County dating back to the late 80's.  That record was first uncovered by WBT radio news reporter Chris Miller.  To see his report, go to: http://goo.gl/LWqpv

Moustafa has been arrested for speeding, possession of stolen goods, assault with a deadly weapon and communicating threats.  Those charges were voluntarily dismissed.  "I am in a tough business and I got to protect my business, my children, my family and my properties," he says.
 
In 2000, Moustafa was found not guilty of a misdemeanor child abuse charge.  In 2006, he received a prayer for judgment after his son's teacher told investigators that the eight-year-old had a bruise on his face.  "I am a father, I come from the middle east, different customs and I have to discipline my kids because here if you let your kids go, they're gonna end up behind bars," says Moustafa.

In 2009, Moustafa was arrested for assault on a female.  He was acquitted in criminal court, but a civil court judge gave his ex-wife a protective order.  Moustafa is appealing the renewal of that order.  He says, "Anybody can be arrested, but to find not guilty is up to the jury and the judge, not to the public.  I don't believe the public will judge you for that."

The chairman of the Mecklenburg County Republican party declined to comment on Moustafa's bid for a seat on city council.  Moustafa tells us he has, so far, personally funded his own campaign.
 

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