Former Senator Arrested and Charged with Trespassing

 Posted on July 11, 2012 in Criminal Defense

At one time or another, everyone comes across a situation where you just don’t like or get along with a neighbor. But for one Lake Villa neighborhood, the disputes have escalated into accusations of stalking, criminal charges and an issuance of a restraining order. What makes this an even more headline grabbing story is that the defendant in this case is a state senator.

State Sen. Suzi Schmidt, 60, was arrested by deputes from the Lake County Sheriff’s office on June 12 and charge with misdemeanor criminal damage and trespassing. The accusations come from her next door neighbors, who earlier this month, filed for and received an emergency stalking no contact order which barred Schmidt from coming within 500 feet of their property. This order made it impossible for her to return to her home since the two properties are adjoined.

The neighbors filed for the emergency order, alleging that for over a year, Schmidt has been harassing them with phone calls, text messages and emails. According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, the couple claims that Schimdt believes that the woman was having an affair with Schmidt’s estranged husband. The woman has denied she was involved with Robert Schmidt, who filed for divorce shortly after a domestic dispute call to the Schmidt home on Christmas Day, 2010. Records show that police had responded to reports of domestic dispute to the home on two other occasions.

Schmidt, who is not seeking re-election, has pled not guilty to the charges. The original stalking order has been modified to allow her to return to her home. If she is found guilty, she could receive up to a one year jail sentence and a fine of $2,500. If you have a neighbor who has falsely accused you of criminal actions, consult with an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney to defend you.