East Providence officer pleads not guilty to domestic violence

An East Providence police patrolman pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of domestic violence and simple assault.

Patrick Conaty, 41, who is an 18-year veteran of East Providence Police Department, surrendered to his own police department Friday night.

According to court documents, the alleged victim is a 33-year-old woman who was in a "dating relationship" with Conaty.

Conaty, who was released on personal recognizance, was ordered to stay away from the woman.

Former Rhode Island Attorney General Jeffrey Pine is serving as Conaty's attorney.

“I've reviewed the evidence (and) the police statements so far and I'm confident that he will be exonerated,” Pine told NBC 10.

Pine didn't provide any specifics about why he believes his client will be found innocent.

NBC 10 was unable to get Conaty's arrest report from the East Providence Police Department, as it's still under investigation.

Conaty has been suspended with pay, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.