Former Matthews Mayor Pro-Tem Pleads Guilty to Assault

MATTHEWS, NC — The former Mayor Pro-Tem of Matthews has pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend.  Police arrested Joe Pata in July after his ex said he broke her nose and cut her head.

Joseph Pata tried to dodge the media leaving court Tuesday.  The former Matthews Mayor Pro-Tem avoided jail time and was sentenced to 18 months supervised probation, 200 hours of community service, 5 AA meetings a week, and he has to enroll in the Nova New Beginnings program.

He pleaded guilty to attacking his ex-girlfriend in July after a night of drinking.  County Commissioner Pat Cotham was in the courtroom.

“I knew the victim, so I wanted to go there and be supportive of her,” said Commissioner Cotham.

The victim stood and spoke to the judge, saying her life was threatened and she was attacked while sleeping, left with a broken nose and bleeding cut in her head after Pata hit her at his home where she lived with him and her kids.

Cotham says this shook the town of Matthews and is a wake up call on domestic violence.

“Don’t think it can’t happen to you or your daughter or sister or coworker,” said Cotham.  “It can and it does.”

Pata lost his job at Bank of America and resigned his position with Matthews.  He is also not allowed to have any contact with the victim.

The judge made it clear if Pata violates any of the rules of his probation, from AA meetings to community service, he could serve some of the jail time that was suspended.

The victim has filed a civil suit asking for reimbursement for medical bills, emergency re-location fees and other expenses.