Rochester, N.Y.- Charges have been dropped against a local defense attorney accused of attacking a former client.
Judge Thomas "Rainbow" Morse dismissed charges of harrassment and obstruction of breathing after a motion by attorney David Rothenberg, who represents John Parrinello. The District Attorney's Office did not object.
Back in January, Parrinello's former client Joe Cafarelli alleged that Parrinello choked him after the two argued about a case in Parrinello's office.
Cafarelli says he wasn't told about Tuesday's court date and had no idea the charges had been dismissed until we contacted him by phone.
He says he is furious and will have his new attorney re-file charges in the case.
Parrinello tells us he is relieved this is over after seven months. He says it was a distraction and was "disconcerting."
Parrinello says he cooperated and provided evidence, including video outside of his office that he said contradicted what Cafarelli was alleging.
13WHAM News obtained that security video which shows the two men arguing outside Parrinello's law office and appears to show Parrinello putting his arms up to keep Cafarelli away.
The judge ruled that the evidence contradicted Cafarelli's claims that he was choked.
Cafarelli says this did happen and he will pursue new charges in this case.
