Prosecutor Denies Attacking His Estranged Wife’s Boyfriend

A senior Orange County prosecutor pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that he attacked the boyfriend of his estranged wife in her apartment, police said.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Donald P. Schweitzer allegedly entered the Orange residence without permission about 11:35 p.m. Friday, then repeatedly punched and choked Richard D. McGrath, 50. McGrath suffered cuts and bruises to his face, authorities said.

Police called to the home followed Schweitzer to the parking lot of an Anaheim hospital, where they arrested him.

The state attorney general’s office Tuesday filed three felony counts of burglary, assault and battery against Schweitzer, who prosecutes sexual assault cases.

At an arraignment hearing, Judge James A. Stotler reduced Schweitzer’s bail from $100,000 to $50,000. Police said they originally requested a high bail because McGrath was so seriously injured.

Schweitzer’s attorney disputed the police version of events, saying the prosecutor acted in self-defense.

Schweitzer went to the apartment to see his three children, ages 3 to 7, in accordance with court-ordered visitation rights, said attorney Ron Brower.

When Schweitzer arrived, McGrath attacked him, Brower said. Schweitzer fought back, hurting his own hand during the brawl, the attorney said.

“He was defending himself,” Brower said. “The other person was starting the physical contact.”