U.S. Congressional candidate Kevin Barrett, a former one-semester instructor at UW-Madison, was arrested in Madison Tuesday for violating a restraining order filed by his wife, Fatna Bellouchi.
According to Madison Police Officer Lori Chalecki, Barrett turned himself in to police after violating the no-contact provision of his restraining order.
On Sept. 10, Barrett was charged with domestic abuse following a criminal complaint filed by Bellouchi.
According to the complaint, Barrett struck his 14-year-old son several times in the back and threatened Bellouchi with clenched fists.
Barrett, tired from a long day of traveling, allegedy struck their son because their two children failed to lower the TV volume, the complaint said.
Barrett drew national attention in 2006 when he shared his conspiracy theories surrounding the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a class. He claimed the U.S. government played a role in the attacks.
Rolf Lindgren, Barrett's spokesperson, said Bellouchi's allegations appear to be a publicity stunt.
Lindgren said he believes Bellouchi filed the report in an effort to draw media attention to her husband.
According to Lindgren, there is no truth to the allegations and the criminal charges will be cleared up soon.
When Dr. Barrett is cleared, he will be hailed as a hero who beat the system. We hope the media does not fall for this cheap publicity stunt by Dr. Barrett's wife,"" Lindgren said in a statement.
State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said Barrett's lawsuit would not affect his campaign for congressional office. He said it was unlikely prior to the lawsuit and arrest that Barrett would defeat his opponent, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., who is favored to win the election.
If charged, Barrett faces a maximum fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for a maximum of 90 days.
