Former River Rat arrested

Here is a story from the Connecticut Post, first appearing Thursday night, regarding former Albany River Rats forward Bobby Hughes, who was traded to the New York Islanders organization this summer.

Sound Tiger player charged with sex assault
By Daniel Tepfer
STAFF WRITER
Updated: 11/05/2009 08:03:55 PM EST
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A player for the Sound Tigers hockey team was in custody Thursday after being arrested on sexual assault charges filed in New York.

Robert Hughes, 21, a Canadian citizen, was arrested Wednesday by members of the U.S. Marshal Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force at the Arena at Harbor Yard following a hockey game.

"We waited until the game was over and then walked him out without incident," said police Detective Robert Martin, a member of the task force.

Hughes was arrested on a warrant issued from Bethlehem, N.Y., on charges of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree criminal sexual act.

He was later brought before Superior Court Judge Joseph Doherty where Hughes agreed to waive extradition to New York.

Assistant State's Attorney Marc Durso urged the judge to order Hughes held on a high bond until New York police come to get him, citing the seriousness of the charges. The judge agreed and ordered Hughes held in lieu of $100,000 bond.

Hughes was indicted on the charges last month. The indictment has been sealed and New York law-enforcement officials declined to comment on it.

Hughes, who plays center with the Sound Tigers, was acquired in an Aug. 31 trade by the New York Islanders, the Sound Tigers parent organization, from the Carolina Hurricanes.

"It's a personal issue," Bridgeport Sound Tigers President Howard Saffan said. "There are a lot of unknown entities. This occurred in Albany. We don't have all the information, unfortunately."

Hughes did not practice Thursday with the Sound Tigers. He has played in only four of Bridgeport's first 14 games.