Kings' Voynov charged with one felony count of corporal injury to spouse
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov has been charged with a felony count of corporal injury to spouse according to the LA County District Attorney's office.
In a press release from the District Attorney, Voynov faces the charge "with great bodily injury." Voynov is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1.
The release stated specifics of the night Voynov was arrested in October:
During an argument at their Redondo Beach home on Oct. 19, Voynov caused his wife to suffer injuries to her eyebrow, cheek and neck, prosecutors said. The injuries were serious and required medical attention at a local hospital where the defendant was arrested, prosecutors added.
Deputy District Attorney Frank Dunnick will prosecute the case.
"If somebody violates the law and is violent with their spouse or cohabitant, if we believe it occurred and we believe we can prove it, we have an obligation to file charges and to vigorously pursue justice,” said Dunnick, according to Larry Altman of the Daily Breeze.
Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register also reports that this could mean Voynov will face immigration issues,in addition to a lengthy sentence.
Per the release, Voynov faces a possible maximum sentence of nine years in prison. Also immigration issues.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) November 20, 2014
Voynov's defense attorney Craig Renetzky was quick to release a statement, relayed by Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times.
Mr. Voynov is extremely disappointed that the district attorney's office elected to file charges. Mr. Voynov maintains his innocence and looks forward to clearing his name in court. We remain confident.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement, "We are aware of the actions taken today in California which we will review and evaluate before making any decisions. Until further notice, the current terms of Mr. Voynov's suspension remain in place."
The Kings released a statement of their own Thursday, accepting Voynov's salary will continue to count against the cap.
We maintain our support of the NHL’s indefinite suspension of Slava Voynov. As an organization we will continue to closely monitor the developments of the legal proceedings and work in partnership with the NHL to determine the proper course of action in the future.
Voynov's wife also released a statement through her lawyer:
The lawyer for Marta Varlamova, wife of Slava Voynov, released this statement: pic.twitter.com/yZiEhMKHze
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) November 21, 2014