MIAMI – A misdemeanor battery charge against former Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez has been dropped after his ex-girlfriend failed to appear in court Monday to testify against him.
Alvarez pleaded not guilty to battery after his April arrest.
Coral Gables police said Alvarez attacked Miami-Dade police Lt. Evelyn Fernandez after she went to his condominium April 23 to return his cat.
Police said Alvarez grabbed Fernandez by both arms and pinned her against a wall inside the building's parking garage.
According to a police report, the former mayor spit at Fernandez while yelling profanities at her.
Alvarez continued harassing Fernandez after she left, texting her, "I hope you get the worst possible cancer and die a slow miserable death, you evil (expletive)."
Fernandez is battling cancer.
"Thank you," Fernandez replied in a text message. "I wish you the very best life has to offer. May you live a long and happy life."
Fernandez didn't appear in court Monday to provide testimony. She was arrested in July after police said she broke into Alvarez's condo and vandalized it, damaging property.
Alvarez said he feels relief now that the allegations are behind him.
"Hopefully we can both move on with our lives and be successful," Alvarez said.