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Mayor’s alleged attacker pleads not guilty

(MCT) Sep. 14--Anthony J. Peters pleaded not guilty by reason of mental defect Monday to charges that he beat Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett with a tire iron as the mayor and members of his family were leaving the State Fair.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge David Hansher accepted the plea and ordered Peters to be psychologically evaluated. The result of the evaluation is due Oct. 5.

“It is a difficult plea to enter and to support,” Peters’ attorney, Anthony D. Cotton, said after the hearing.

“There is a long history of mental health issues,” Cotton said of Peters. “It is very prevalent in his family.”

Barrett’s brother, John Barrett, who is the clerk of circuit court and director of court services, sat near the back of the courtroom, beside some members of Peters’ family. Barrett said a family member -- he believed Peters’ aunt -- apologized to him on behalf of her family.

“We are extremely grateful,” John Barrett said. “They care enough to apologize.”

According to police, Peters, 20, attacked the mayor Aug. 15.

Peters, police say, was struggling with the grandmother of his child. When Barrett attempted to call 911, Peters punched him in the face and hit him with a tire iron, according to police.

Barrett, who police say fought back, was hospitalized with a shattered right hand and three broken teeth.

“He’s doing fine,” John Barrett said. “He’s still going to be himself.”

Peters is charged with first-degree reckless injury, theft, disorderly conduct and bail jumping and faces more than 36 years in prison.