An Elmbrook school board member has been found not guilty of a felony count of aggravated assault, accused of throwing a bottle at her husband.

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

If convicted, Kurudiyara could have faced up to three years and six months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Kurudiyara also could have lost his seat on the council because state law does not allow felons to hold public office.

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

Kurudiyara did not immediately return a reporter’s phone and email messages seeking comment. Her attorney, Amanda Riek, did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment.

Waukesha County District Attorney Sue Opper did not immediately return a reporter’s phone call or email seeking comment.

Chris Thompson, Elmbrook School District’s chief strategy officer, said the district declined to comment on the settlement 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 Kurudiyara threw a one-liter bottle at him, hitting 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 applied for a temporary restraining order against his wife in November 2023, which was denied, but both sides agreed in December 2023 to a one-year injunction. A court commissioner on November 15 extended that ban until December 18, 2027, according to online court records.

CContact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.

This article originally appeared on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Elmbrook school board member found not guilty in domestic dispute