Phish Bassist Charged After Jones Beach Concert August 19, 2003 - Associated Press By Staff [Phish Archive Disclaimer: Because the purpose of this site is to Archive Phish's relation to the media, I am going to archive all of the press surrounding (including incredibly poorly written tabloid style pieces) published about this "incident." This was a misunderstood event that was blown entirely out of proportion by the media. A joint statement from Mike Gordon, the girl's family, and Elektra Records states: "We have had several discussions regarding the situation that occurred at Jones Beach. It is now clear to all involved that this was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and we look forward to putting this matter behind us."] WANTAGH, N.Y. (AP) _ The bass player for the jam band Phish was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and trespassing following a concert by The Dead at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island last week, the New York State Park Police said Tuesday. Michael E. Gordon, 38, of New York City, was arrested on Aug. 11, after the mother of a 9-year-old girl became concerned that she could not find the youngster in the backstage area of the theater, Maj. Richard O'Donnell said in a statement. Gordon and the girl were subsequently found together in an enclosed boathouse that is part of the backstage area, police said. The theater is adjacent to Zach's Bay. Phish was not performing at the concert. Gordon was issued a desk appearance ticket requiring him to report to First District Court in Hempstead on Sept. 29. The case was first reported by WNBC-TV. A spokesman for Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon said he had no further information about the case. "As we get the information, we will evaluate this case as we do every case," spokesman Rick Hinshaw said. Marcia Horowitz, a spokeswoman for the band, issued what she described as a joint statement from Gordon and the girl's family. The statement called the incident "an unfortunate misunderstanding, and we look forward to putting this matter behind us." Gordon, a New York City resident, was issued a desk appearance ticket requiring him to report to First District Court in Hempstead on Sept. 29. The case was first reported by WNBC-TV. A spokesman for Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon said he had no further information about the case. "As we get the information, we will evaluate this case as we do every case," spokesman Rick Hinshaw said. Gordon, a founding member of the jam band, is to release his solo debut, Inside In, on Tuesday. The album is a complement to his 2000 movie Outside Out, which he starred in and also directed. Article Copyright © 2003 The Associated Press