’American Idol’ contestant pleads not guilty to battery in fight at Ill. bar

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – A former “American Idol” contestant who is accused of punching a security guard at a bar in Palatine last month pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of misdemeanor battery.

An attorney for singer-songwriter and Wheeling native Haley Reinhart said at a court hearing that the 26-year-old is a victim and not a perpetrator of any crime.

Reinhart, who competed on “American Idol” in 2011, was charged last month following a confrontation with security staff at the Lamplight Inn Tavern & Grille.

According to police, Reinhart was among a group of disorderly patrons who were asked to leave the establishment after knocking over a table early July 8. As the group was escorted out of the bar, police said, Reinhart struck a security guard in the head with her closed fist.

Following Wednesday’s hearing at Cook County court in Rolling Meadows, Reinhart’s attorney, Carmine Trombetta, said he is waiting for surveillance video of the incident that he has formally requested from the village. He said he has already gathered witness statements but needs the surveillance footage to confirm those statements.

Trombetta said Reinhart never punched a security guard that night. The security guard, who was present in court Wednesday, declined to comment on the case.

“We believe (Reinhart) will be exonerated when this is all said and done,” Trombetta said.

Reinhart’s next court date is set for Oct. 6, when the case may go to trial. The singer, who lives in Encino, Calif., was also given permission to leave Illinois by Judge James P. Pieczonka.

“In our position, she was a victim,” Trombetta said.

A criminal case also is pending against a bartender at the Lamplighter, who faces aggravated battery charges in connection with the incident.

Prosecutors allege that Adam Sobanski, 32, put one of Reinhart’s friends, Alan Chislof into a headlock, restricted his breathing and caused him to fall to the ground. According to prosecutors, Sobanski repeatedly punched Chislof in the face, causing injuries that included a concussion, a broken nose, two black eyes and a cut above his eye.

Sobanski was released on bond July 20, and he is due back in court in Rolling Meadows on Aug. 10.

Trombetta said Wednesday that the behavior of the bar’s staff “obviously was extreme.”