California Legislator Faces Restraining Order Amid Divorce

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A California assemblyman has been ordered to keep a safe distance from his estranged wife amid allegations that he physically abused her during their brief marriage.

The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that a judge is requiring Democratic Assemblyman Roger Hernandez of West Covina to stay away from Susan Rubio.

Rubio alleges in a declaration for the restraining order that Hernandez, first elected in 2010, has choked and hit her since they were married in 2013.

Hernandez tells the Times there has never before been a suggestion Rubio would need protection during their 16-month divorce case. A jury previously acquitted Hernandez of drunken driving in 2012.

Hernandez is seeking a San Gabriel Valley congressional seat this year.