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Assemblywoman 'Heartbroken' as City Investigates Charges She Beat Her Son

 Assemblywoman Diana Richardson speaks with supporters after winning a special election for the 43rd Assembly District in May of 2015.
Assemblywoman Diana Richardson speaks with supporters after winning a special election for the 43rd Assembly District in May of 2015.
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DNAinfo/Rachel Holliday Smith

CROWN HEIGHTS — A Brooklyn assemblywoman says she’s “heartbroken” following her arrest this weekend on charges she hit her 13-year-old son with a broomstick — an incident now being investigated by city child services officials.

Crown Heights Assemblywoman Diana Richardson has been temporarily separated from the boy after he walked into a local police station on Friday to report she had hit him following an argument about his grades in school, police sources said.

According to court documents, the boy suffered an abrasion to his arm and was taken to Kings County Hospital for treatment. Richardson was charged on Saturday with assault, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, among other charges, court documents said.

On Monday, the Administration of Children’s Services said the agency is “conducting a full investigation” of the incident, but could not comment specifically about the case, a spokesperson said.

In a statement emailed to supporters Monday, Richardson expressed “thanks for the support and generosity of the community.”

“We ask that you respect our privacy as we find strength during this time,” she wrote.

The assemblywoman also took to Facebook to address the incident; on Monday, she posted a blue heart on her public profile with the comment “feeling heartbroken.”

At the time of Richardson's arrest, the boy was placed under a temporary order of protection, meaning the two are separated and Richardson is barred from contacting him — a routine move given the charges, her attorney Joyce David said.

“It’s a family matter. It’s certainly difficult. I’m optimistic that it will be resolved in everyone’s best interest,” she said.

On Facebook, dozens of Richardson’s supporters responded to her post on Monday, the vast majority sending encouraging messages to the state representative to “stay strong,” “stand tall” and “ride this out.”

Others offered solidarity as parents, sympathizing with Richardson, who has become known for her frequent appearances with her son at community board meetings, public forums and local events and has spoken often about her experience — and pride in — being a single mother.

“You are a rare and awesome example of what it means to love your family and your community!” one supporter said.

“Please don't let this bring you down because I know that of all people you are not a child abuser,” said another.

Richardson is running unopposed for reelection to her 43rd Assembly District seat in Tuesday’s election. She won the seat in 2015 in a special election running on the Working Families Party line.