Mike Gordon's Unfortunate Misunderstanding August 20, 2003 - The Phish Archive By The Phish Archive Bassist Mike Gordon, 38, was arrested in Wantagh, NY on August 11 and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and trespassing. Gordon, who was an invited guest at a concert by The Dead at Jones Beach Amphitheatre, was arrested after the mother of a 9-year-old girl became concerned that she could not find her daughter in the backstage area of the theater. The two were later found snapping photographs in a boathouse area of the open-air Theater. "The area is actually like a work area for state employees who operate boats out of that area," said Maj. Richard O'Donnell, of the New York State Park Police. The mother and father of the nine-year old -- the father, a member of the Hell's Angels -- were irrate upon finding the two in the boathouse area. Within minutes, additional members of the Hell's Angels reportedly assaulted Gordon and held him until venue security and police arrived. A source familiar with the situation reports that Gordon spent the evening with the girl's family backstage riding around on his Segway scooter and taking photographs. "It is well-known that Mike chronicles many events and was taking pictures of the entire concert throughout the evening," reports a witness. "None of the pictures that he took, including the pictures with the young girl, was inappropriate. It's being blown all out of proportion." An additional source close to the band said Gordon had never been in trouble with police but had admitted "bad judgment" in this instance and apologized to the family. Gordon and the girl's family also released a joint statement, which reads: "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." Gordon is scheduled to appear in First District Court of Nassau County on September 29, but the band source said the family has decided not to file charges. Article Copyright © 2003 The Phish Archive