Elmbrook Board Member Now Facing Felony Charge of Substantial Battery
Charges against Dr. Preetha Kurudiyara have been enhanced from misdemeanor to felony which, if convicted, would require her to leave the Elmbrook board.
As reported by the Freeman, Elmbrook board member and pediatrician Dr. Preetha Kurudiyara is now facing a felony charge for “substantial battery - intend bodily harm” after a review of the injury to her husband from the Assistant District Attorney and lack of a resolution prior to going to trial in her misdemeanor case. If convicted, she would be required to leave the Board of Education, as Article XIII, Section 3 of the Wisconsin Constitution prohibits convicted felons from holding public office.
As previously reported, Preetha was arrested in November 2023 after throwing a 1-liter bottle at her husband which fractured his nose. Her husband told police that he was in an abusive relationship and this was not the first incident she had initiated, but he had not reported previous incidents. An injunction until 12/18/24 currently prohibits Preetha from contacting her husband unless via app to facilitate care of their children.
Following her arrest, Preetha was also not allowed in-person contact with her children, although in May 2024, her court order was modified to allow supervised visits.
In June 2024, Preetha was charged for a hit and run which occurred at the Waukesha County Courthouse just prior to a hearing in her (then) outstanding misdemeanor case. She paid a fine for the hit and run on 6/14/24 of $263.50.
Despite community outcry, Preetha has not resigned and the school board stated that they cannot require her to vacate the seat.
In 2023, Preetha was elected on a very small majority and received support from Blue Sky Waukesha, a local group that supports liberal candidates. Her opponent requested a recount due to concerns with absentee ballots and other irregularities.
Preetha’s Questionable Behavior and Comments
During Preetha’s candidacy in 2023, open records showed communication between her and Superintendent Mark Hansen that had them agreeing “we all deserve respect” after Preetha’s name was mispronounced by a person who immediately stated “I hope I said that correctly.” Her opponent’s name was also mispronounced at the same event.
Preetha advertised being a pediatrician during her campaign, although community research showed she was not employed. She was previously listed on the district website simply as a Community Volunteer but after her arrest, the district website was updated to include pediatrician as well.
Court records from 6/3/24 appear to confirm she is not working as a pediatrician since they state that “they may want a vocational evaluation is [sic] Ms. Kurudiyara does not find employment in her field soon.” Repercussions from Preetha’s charges could impact her future employment as any conviction may terminate her medical license.
Despite not professionally practicing medicine, Preetha continues to give an impression otherwise. Video from March 2024 shows Preetha repeatedly mentioning being a pediatrician. Additionally, when her viewpoint was challenged she said “as a pediatrician, I think most of the medical community would agree with me.” Preetha’s overall behavior and comments during that meeting deeply offended community members and drove a parent of a child with severe disabilities to tears.
If Preetha is convicted on her felony charge, in addition to being required to leave the Board of Education, she faces up to 3.5 years in prison and her medical license may be in jeopardy.
Update as of 7/8/24: Thank you to Fox6 for picking up this story as well. Their video at the courthouse appears to show current board member Mary Wacker standing in front of their camera in an attempt to prevent them from filming Preetha arriving for her felony hearing.
News coverage: Freeman | Fox6 | Mark Belling Show | Journal Sentinel
Update as of 7/17/24: Preetha is now headed to trial for her felony charge as reported by Fox6 and the Freeman.
Update as of 9/10/24: Preetha’s trial delay was covered by the Freeman on 9/6 and 9/10.