Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) speaks at a press conference in Fresno in October 2018.

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp today announced she has filed a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to a child against Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno).

The charge stems from a December incident in which Arambula was arrested, accused of abusing a child. Arambula addressed the charge to the media, saying it was a misunderstanding that stemmed from his attempt to discipline his 7-year-old daughter.

The announcement was made a day before Arambula was previously cited to appear in Fresno County Superior Court for his arraignment. That will take place Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

If convicted of the charge, Arambula faces a potential sentence of up to six months imprisonment, according to a DA news release.

Arambula released the following statement through his attorney, Margarita Martinez-Baly:

“My wife and I are shocked that the District Attorney has decided to file charges. The allegation that I may have harmed one of my daughters is false and unthinkable. While politics may have influenced the decision to file, we are confident that our judicial system will find this allegation to be false. However, I have voluntarily taken a temporary leave of absence from the Assembly and have directed my attorney to request a speedy trial so this issue can be resolved as quickly as possible.”