St. Charles alderman denies exposure charge

St. Charles Alderman David Richards pleaded not guilty Tuesday to allegations he exposed himself while driving.

Richards, 59, of the 1100 block of Millburn Court, is facing a disorderly conduct ordinance violation in DuPage County stemming from a July 16 incident in which he was accused of touching himself while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

Defense attorney Kenneth Johnson said Tuesday that he and his client remained in ongoing discussions with prosecutors and haven't decided yet whether to challenge Richards' arrest or proceed to trial.

"I was hoping they would dismiss the matter but unfortunately they've not been willing to do that," Johnson said.

According to police, the complaining witness is a truck driver who called 911 and reported the 5th Ward alderman's license plate number after noticing another driver touching himself on westbound Route 64 in West Chicago.

In a subsequent police interview, Richards admitted to briefly exposing himself while making an "adjustment," but he denied touching himself otherwise, according to a police report.

At his first scheduled court appearance, Richards was able to avoid the media after Johnson entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and agreed to a continuance before DuPage County Judge George J. Sotos took the bench.

Johnson said later that it's common for ordinance violation matters to be continued without a formal appearance if there are no contested issues to be heard.

"It makes the call go a lot faster," he said.

Richards, a married father of three, faces a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted, prosecutors said. His next court date is Sept. 21.