ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – The man who served as campaign manager for Kane County Sheriff Donald Kramer's successful election Nov. 4 is facing a jury trial this month on two misdemeanor charges of domestic battery, court records show.
Dennis Harper, 55, a retired Batavia police officer and former Batavia High School classmate of Kramer's, was charged Feb. 27, 2014, in connection with an incident involving his wife Feb. 16, 2014, at their home in Sugar Grove.
Harper is free after posting $50 bail or 10 percent of a $500 bond, court records show. He is to appear in court Thursday for a pre-trial hearing before the jury trial is scheduled to begin April 28, court records show.
Harper’s attorney filed court papers asserting that a video taken January 2014 shows his wife arguing with her son. In it, she threatens to allege domestic battery, showing “a false outcry, and then carries through with it” in the current charges against her husband.
Prosecutors also filed court papers seeking to bar the video and to admit additional evidence of domestic violence.
Neither Harper nor his attorney returned repeated voicemail messages seeking comment.
Kramer said he would not comment on the charges against Harper, nor on his long association with his former campaign manager.
"Let the judicial system work its way out," said Kramer, a Geneva resident.
Kramer said Harper was his employer at the Drive Home Safe Driving School in Geneva at the time and just wanted to help him out on the campaign trail. Harper stood with Kramer when Kramer first announced his candidacy May 2013.
“I have known Don Kramer since high school. He has been a leader ever since we both played football for Batavia Bulldogs,” Harper had said then. “Don has prepared himself to be sheriff his whole life.”
On election night Nov. 4, Kramer thanked and praised Harper for helping him win the election for sheriff over opponent Willie Mayes. Harper also stood with Kramer at his swearing-in ceremony Dec. 1.
The terms of Harper's bond required him to turn in his firearms owner's identification card, his service weapon and other weapons to the Sugar Grove police. Harper also worked as a part-time officer for Campton Hills and the Kane County Forest Preserve Police.
As a result of the charges, Harper turned in his badge and went on unpaid leave, Campton Hills Police Chief Daniel Hoffman said. Harper worked one day a week at his department, he said.
Kane County Forest Preserve Director of Public Safety Michael Gilloffo said Harper usually worked there a couple days a month until he was charged.
“He is on voluntary leave of absence without pay,” Gilloffo said.
Harper has an active order of protection against him, filed Feb. 18, 2014, by his wife of 13 years, who since has moved from their Sugar Grove home, court records show.
Harper and his wife both filed for divorce Feb. 19, 2014. According to court records, a trial on the divorce petition is scheduled June 22.