President, CEO of Charlotte nonprofit found not guilty on assault charge
The president and CEO of a Charlotte nonprofit organization was found not guilty Thursday on a charge of assaulting a female, according to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office.
Patrick Graham, 47, is the president and CEO of Charlotte Works, a nonprofit that specializes in creating jobs.
Officials said according to arrest information, Graham was arrested at his residence in March after an arrest warrant was served on him.
The victim, a 46-year-old woman who is not related to Graham, accused him of assault "by placing [her] in a choke hold and striking (her) resulting in a busted lip."
In March, Charlotte Works announced that Graham had been placed on paid administrative leave because of the charges.
"The Charlotte Works Board of Directors has made the decision to place Patrick Graham on paid administrative leave. The Board will continue to monitor the situation as facts emerge.
Charlotte Works staff members will handle Dr. Graham's day-to-day tasks while he is on leave, and the Charlotte Works team will continue to serve its clients and the community."
Officials stated that the nonprofit's board of directors would "continue to monitor the situation as facts emerge."
The attorney representing Graham, Harold Cogdell Jr, released a statement regarding the allegations in March.
"Dr. Patrick Graham is deeply disappointed by recent false allegations made to law enforcement. Dr. Graham did not assault his accuser. The accuser and Dr. Graham share custody of a lovely child and he is heartbroken about the entire situation.
Dr. Graham has spent more than 25 years in various leadership roles with community organizations that serve many of our most vulnerable residents. Dr. Graham extends his grattitude to the many family, friends and professional colleagues that have expressed support and encouragement. At this time Dr. Graham remains focused on his family and passion for service while eagerly awaiting his day in court."
According to Charlotte Works' Facebook page, the nonprofit convenes and aligns "the workforce system through partnerships, policy and career pathways."
Graham was previously the head of another nonprofit in the Queen City, the Urban League of Central Carolinas.
Under his watch, Graham started a community bank and created new employment programs including HVAC training. He left his position with the Urban League of Central Carolinas in October 2016.
According to an article from QCityMetro, Graham had worked with the Urban League of Central Carolinas for nine years. Graham told QCityMetro that he was recommended for the position at Charlotte Works by people in the community.
This story was originally published June 29, 2018 at 11:39 AM.