by Matthew Benson - Jun. 27, 2008 04:39 PM
The Arizona Republic

Democratic state Rep. Mark DeSimone is expected to resign his seat following his arrest early Friday morning on charges related to an episode of domestic violence involving him and his wife.

DeSimone, 45, a first-term legislator representing District 11 in Phoenix, was booked into Maricopa County’s 4th Avenue jail. He faces assault charges, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Phoenix police responded to DeSimone’s north-central Phoenix home after receiving a 911 call from his wife around 11:45 p.m. Officers were told that the couple had engaged in a verbal dispute that turned physical, said Sgt. Joel Tranter. DeSimone, who had been drinking, is believed to have struck his wife in the face at least once, Tranter said.

AZCENTRAL