MATTHEWS, N.C. — Matthews town leaders plan to hold a special meeting after the town's mayor pro tem was arrested on assault charges.
Family members of the alleged victim told Channel 9 that Joe Pata beat up his girlfriend, who lived with him.
Friends posted her picture on a website, saying Pata "repeatedly broke her nose, split open the back of her head and gave her two black eyes."
Eyewitness News stopped by Pata's home to get his side of the story, but no one answered. He didn't immediately return phone calls or an email requesting comment.
Town leaders said they can't legally remove Pata from his elected position, but they can strip his mayor pro tem appointment, which they will discuss in a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the town hall.
Some said they'd like to see him step down until the case has been resolved.
WSOC
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