Chad Brown Pleads Guilty to Reduced Charge

Trainer Chad Brown plead guilty Nov. 14 to a reduced charge of harassment stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident at his home in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., this summer. 

The news of Brown's plea and the resolution to his case was reported by Albany, N.Y.,-based WNYT News Channel 13. 

Brown was facing a misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing charge, but the reduced charge is a violation and he "will be sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge," according to WNYT's Mark Mullholland. 

According to the Daily Gazette, the Saratoga County district attorney's office "offered the lesser charge of harassment in the second degree." Brown's acceptance of the non-criminal charge avoids a trial.

Brown must also undergo "evaluation by an accredited behavioral health professional" and is "subject to a two-year order of protection that prohibits him from contacting the alleged victim," per The Daily Gazette. Brown "must complete an evaluation with a certified health provider by Jan. 6."

Judge Francine Vero said that the court would "monitor any recommended treatment for up to a year."

Brown was also "fined $250 with a $120 surcharge."

Judge Vero also issued an order of protection for the alleged victim. Much like the order of protection Judge Vero instituted this summer, only incidental contact is allowed between Brown and his accuser. 

According to published reports, Brown issued a statement through his attorney saying, "While I'm satisfied to put this unfortunate incident behind me and pleased that as a result I will not have a criminal record, I regret details of my personal life being made public through the media. For this, I apologize to my family, friends, clients, and coworkers. I can and will do better in the future. I greatly appreciate all who have supported me throughout this ordeal."

The four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer previously entered a not guilty plea. Reports stated that on the evening of Aug. 17, Brown pushed a female acquaintance down a flight of stairs at his home, pinned her to the ground, and tried to choke her before throwing her out of the house. He was arrested and released on $2,500 cash bail.

The next day at Brown's arraignment, his attorney Joseph Gerstenzang, said that the woman broke into Brown's house in the middle of the night and that his client was defending himself.

This court appearance came after Brown's second appearance was thrice postponed and Brown's attorney Matthew Chauvin last month said that discovery for the case should be completed by Monday and that the defense would be prepared to submit a plea, according to The Daily Gazette.