Man charged in bar brawl involving Haley Reinhart sentenced to probation
A former bar employee who authorities say punched and choked a patron at Palatine's Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille after a brawl involving "American Idol" finalist Haley Reinhart was sentenced to probation Wednesday and ordered to complete an anger management program.
Adam Sobanski, 33, of Palatine pleaded guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor battery in exchange for two years of probation, 60 hours of participation in the Cook County Sheriff's Work Alternative Program, anger management and $249 in fines.
The fight, which took place on July 8, 2017, was caught on video surveillance and on cellphone footage broadcast on the celebrity news show "TMZ." Wheeling resident Alan Chislof suffered a concussion, a broken nose, black eyes and other injuries as a result of the fight with Sobanski. Assistant State's Attorney Kristin Piper said Chislof agreed with Sobanski's sentence.
Accounts differ as to how the altercation unfolded. Police said Reinhart, a former Wheeling resident now living in Los Angeles, and her friends were at the bar, and someone in their party flipped over a table, angering a bouncer who grabbed Reinhart's arm. After employees asked the group to leave, a scuffle erupted, during which Reinhart struck a bouncer, authorities said.
Prosecutors said Sobanski rushed Chislof during the ensuring brawl.
In February, Cook County Judge James Karahalios found Reinhart guilty of an ordinance violation after he determined video surveillance showed her striking a Lamplighter bouncer. She was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $139 in court costs. Reinhart maintained she was trying to break free from the bouncer's grip.