A well-known community activist in the City of Poughkeepsie was arrested at his home last month after Connecticut State Police say he was wanted on domestic violence charges. 

Frank Flowers, 49, was arrested July 27 by Poughkeepsie police and extradited Aug. 2 to Connecticut, according to police. 

Connecticut State Police says Flowers was wanted on multiple felony charges in two alleged domestic violence incidents at a residence in Salisbury, Connecticut in December and July, including strangulation, assault and endangering a child. 

According to the criminal complaints obtained by News 12, Flowers is accused of breaking into a woman’s home and slamming her head on the ground during a violent, 20-minute altercation while she held a frightened and crying young child in her arms.

During a second incident, it’s alleged that he violated a restraining order by unlawfully entering the residence and leaving a photograph of Santa Claus on her bed, and a knife on her kitchen table.

Flowers is well known for organizing countless charity events in Poughkeepsie, many of which are for children and families, and often publicly appears at events around Christmastime dressed as Santa. He is also the brother of Poughkeepsie Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers

News 12 reached out to Councilwoman Flowers to reach her brother. She did not put us in touch with him, but issued a statement.

"I love my brother and will support and stand by him as he receives the due process expected under the law," said Flowers. "This is a legal matter that shouldn’t be tried in the court of public opinion. My brother is not an elected official so his life should not be scrutinized in the public eye because I, his sister, am running for elected office."

Connecticut State Police says Flowers is now additionally charged with violating a protective order, burglary and disorderly conduct. He iscurrently out on bond.