Falls Church Council Member's Husband Charged With Sexual Battery

Police in Falls Church, Va., arrested the husband of a Falls Church Council member Wednesday on two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of object sexual penetration.

Michael Gardner's three female victims each was under the age of 13, police said. The girls said the 47-year-old Gardner had inappropriate physical contact with them at his home. Two incidents allegedly occurred during a slumber party for Gardner's 10-year-old daughter this month, the Associated Press reported. Gardner is also accused of sexually abusing another girl days before the party.

Gardner's attorney, Brian O'Connor, said his client denies the allegations.

Gardner's wife, Robin, is a council member and former city mayor. Michael Gardner is a former chairman of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee.

Gardner appeared in court Thursday and was granted a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court July 12.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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