Elmbrook School Board member found not guilty of felony battery

An Elmbrook School Board member has been found not guilty of a felony charge of substantial battery, accused of throwing a bottle at her husband.

Preetha Kurudiyara, who has been on the board since 2023, was acquitted Nov. 13 after a jury trial in Waukesha County Circuit Court, according to online court records .

If she had been convicted, Kurudiyara could have faced up to three years and six months in prison, up to a $10,000 fine or both. Kurudiyara also could have lost her board seat since state law does not allow felons to hold public office.

Kurudiyara was initially charged in November 2023 with a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. That charge was later dismissed, and an upgraded charge of felony substantial battery was filed, according to court records.

Kurudiyara did not immediately respond to a reporter's phone and email messages seeking comment. Her attorney, Amanda Riek, did not immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment.

Waukesha County District Attorney Sue Opper did not immediately respond to a reporter's phone call or email seeking comment.

Elmbrook School District chief strategy officer Chris Thompson said the district declined to comment on the resolution of the case.

According to the complaint filed July 3, Brookfield police responded to Kurudiyara's residence on Nov. 22, 2023, where Kurudiyara's husband said they had been arguing all day and that Kurudiyara had thrown a one-liter bottle at him, striking him in the face. A CT scan revealed he had a broken nose, the complaint said.

A divorce between the two is pending in Waukesha County Circuit Court.

Kurudiyara's husband sought a temporary restraining order against his wife in November 2023, which was denied, but both parties agreed in December 2023 to a one-year-injunction. A court commissioner on Nov. 15 extended that injunction until Dec. 18, 2027, according to online court records .

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or . at .