Man accused of attacking Sen. Paul pleads not guilty

The Latest on the court appearance of a man accused of attacking Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (all times local):

11 a.m.

A lawyer for a man accused of assaulting Sen. Rand Paul says the possibility of a federal charge is a concern.

Attorney Matt Baker says he hopes that doesn't happen for his client, Rene Boucher, who is currently charged with fourth-degree assault. The county prosecutor has suggested that criminal charges may change because of the severity of the lawmaker's injuries.

Warren County prosecutor Amy Milliken didn't provide any more details but said her office is working with Kentucky State Police and the FBI.

Baker says the attack had "nothing to do with politics." He says it was a disagreement between two neighbors.

___

10:30 a.m.

The county prosecutor in the case against a man accused of assaulting U.S. Sen. Rand Paul says criminal charges may be changed because of the severity of the lawmaker's injuries.

Warren County prosecutor Amy Milliken didn't provide any more details but said her office is working with Kentucky State Police and the FBI. She says the investigation "has not concluded."

Rene Boucher pleaded not guilty to fourth-degree assault Thursday. Boucher is accused of attacking the senator while he mowed his lawn in the neighborhood where they live.

Neither the prosecutor nor Boucher's attorney have said what prompted the attack, but Boucher's attorney has said it was trivial and not related to politics.

Paul wrote on Twitter that he suffered six broken ribs and has excess fluid around the lungs.

___

10 a.m.

A longtime neighbor accused of assaulting U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and breaking six of his ribs pleaded not guilty to assault in court in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Rene Boucher pleaded not guilty to a fourth-degree assault charge Thursday in connection with the attack as Paul mowed his lawn in the neighborhood where they both live.

Boucher was wearing a suit and barely spoke in the courtroom, only saying “yes sir” to a judge. He showed no emotion and kept his head down during the brief proceeding.

Boucher faces up to a year in jail if convicted on the charge. Boucher, Paul’s next-door neighbor, is accused of attacking the Washington lawmaker last Friday.

Paul wrote on Twitter Wednesday that he suffered six broken ribs and a pleural effusion, which is excess fluid around the lungs. The injuries have sidelined Paul from the Senate as he recovers at his home.

Boucher is next due in court Nov. 30 for a pre-trial hearing.

Statement from Doug Stafford, Senior Advisor to Sen. Paul --

“Last week Senator Paul was vigorously assaulted by someone in his neighborhood. This is a serious criminal matter involving serious injury, and is being handled by local and federal authorities. As to reports of a longstanding dispute with the attacker, the Pauls have had no conversations with him in many years. The first "conversation" with the attacker came after Sen. Paul's ribs were broken. This was not a “fight”, it was a blindside, violent attack by a disturbed person. Anyone claiming otherwise is simply uninformed or seeking media attention."