Elburn man to plead not guilty to hate crime

An Elburn man will plead not guilty to a hate crime charge stemming from a fight outside an Elgin bar last month, his attorney said Wednesday.

Marcus J. Crimaldi, 23, of the 2S800 block of Red Oak Drive, is accused of hitting a South Elgin man in the face with a set of brass knuckles at least four times while shouting a derogatory term for gays late Dec. 13 at South Grove Avenue and Chicago Street, police said. Defense attorney Liam Dixon said the term is not proof his client knew the victim was gay or hit him because of his sexual orientation. He said the two had not met previously.

"I would never approve of a derogatory term being used, but I don't think it proves their case," Dixon said. "He will be pleading not guilty."

The victim did not require medical treatment, according to police. Crimaldi was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and one Class 4 felony hate crime.

According to Kane County court records, Crimaldi received probation in 2007 after being convicted of criminal damage to property and burglary in Elgin. He remained free on a $50,000 bond Wednesday, with a court date of Feb. 10.