Carpentersville trustee to plead not guilty

The attorney for Paul Humpfer, the Carpentersville trustee accused of hitting his wife with a baseball bat, said Wednesday his client will plead not guilty to charges of domestic battery.

Paul Humpfer was in court Tuesday for a status hearing, his first appearance in Kane County Circuit Court since turning himself in on Aug. 3.

Tuesday's hearing was postponed, however, because the state's attorney could not provide transcripts of the grand jury testimony. The state's attorney has since provided the documents.

"There was no arraignment yesterday," said Van Richards, the Elgin attorney representing Paul Humpfer. "Whenever there is an arraignment he will plead not guilty based on our investigation."

Authorities earlier this month charged Paul Humpfer with four counts of domestic battery, including allegations he caused bodily harm. They stem from two May 17 incidents.

Paul Humpfer, who has denied all allegations, declined to further comment Wednesday.

Jacqueline Humpfer cited the May episodes in an emergency order of protection she sought against her husband in June.

Investigators have said Jacqueline Humpfer's grand jury testimony, as well as subsequent inquiries, led to the charges.

Paul Humpfer is due back in court on Sept. 4.