PORTLAND, Maine — A prominent Maine concert promoter who previously pleaded not guilty to a domestic violence charge is due to appear in court Friday to enter a new plea.
Alexander Gray, the owner of Waterfront Concerts, in March pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor domestic violence assault charge. His trial was set to begin next Monday.
Instead, Gray is scheduled to enter a new plea at a hearing Friday morning, according to a notice filed with the Cumberland County Superior Court on Thursday.
He could change his plea to guilty or no contest, either of which would result in a conviction. It could not be determined Thursday afternoon if Gray would plead to a different charge, such as simple assault.
The sudden scheduling of the hearing, soon before Gray’s trial was set to begin, suggests that he may have reached a deal with the district attorney’s office.
Neither Gray nor his lawyer, Gerard Conley Jr., responded to requests for comment. A spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office declined to comment.
Gray was arrested and charged with domestic violence assault in March for allegedly attacking his girlfriend of five years after they had an argument at his Portland condominium.
After a night of drinking, Gray, 41, allegedly kicked the legs out from underneath his younger girlfriend and then grabbed her by the throat and repeatedly slammed her head onto the hardwood floor, according to a police report.
The girlfriend, whose identity has been withheld by the BDN because she is allegedly the victim of domestic violence, told police that her vision turned white each time her head hit the ground.
After being charged, Gray was released from the Cumberland County Jail on $750 bail and the condition that he not contact the woman he allegedly assaulted.
Waterfront Concerts contracts with various municipalities to host concerts at venues such as Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor and the Maine State Pier in Portland.
In September, Bangor renewed a 10-year contract with Gray’s company that gives the city a larger cut of ticket sales.
Gray also recently purchased a building in Old Town, where he lives, for $25,000. He said he intends to renovate and turn it into a music venue that will host about 50 shows a year.
A misdemeanor domestic violence assault conviction carries a penalty of up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. It also would prevent Gray from possessing a firearm.
If someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and you would like to talk with a counselor, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 from anywhere in Maine.
Staff writers Judy Harrison and Alex Acquisto contributed to this report.
Follow Jake Bleiberg at @JZBleiberg.
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