Naperville squatter found guilty of disorderly conduct, trespassing

Naperville squatter Scott Huber was found guilty of misdemeanor charges Friday for chasing and taunting a psychologist who asked him to move his downtown street encampment away from her practice.

Kathy Borchardt testified she cowered behind a chair and called 911 as Huber banged on her office door, shouted her name, and quoted Bible verses on Feb. 1, 2010. The incident unfolded after Borchardt approached the self-described activist with concerns that his campsite outside her building, 4 N. Washington St., might alarm young patients.

At trial, Huber's attorneys portrayed Borchardt as the aggressor. But DuPage County Judge Karen Wilson ruled Friday it was Huber who broke the law after he followed the psychologist into the building, refused to leave, and taunted her.

“He had every right to be on the property” until Borchardt repeatedly told him to leave, Wilson said.

Huber, 60, could receive up to 180 days in jail for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. He called the verdict “disappointing.”

“I don't think it represents the facts,” he said. “I really feel like I get railroaded in this courthouse every time I come here.”

Borchardt, who no longer practices in Naperville, declined to comment as she left court with supporters.

Huber's encampments have stirred controversy in Naperville for about a decade. In March, the city won a long-sought injunction to bar him and others from sleeping, camping and storing property on downtown streets.

Huber has said his campsites were meant to protest alleged wrongdoing by the city, which he blames for the loss of his home and business. Borchardt sued Huber for defamation after he began naming her on his protest signs. Court records show the lawsuit was dismissed earlier this month.

Huber returns to court Dec. 2.