Algonquin Woman Found Guilty Of Kicking Pregnant Nurse

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A 31-year-old Algonquin woman who kicked a pregnant nurse could now face prison time after being convicted last week in a battery case, authorities said.

Briana M. Veurink was found guilty during a bench trial Thursday on charges of aggravated battery to a nurse and aggravated battery to a pregnant woman, which are both Class 3 felonies.

Authorities say the charges stem from a March 17, 2021, incident at Northwestern Hospital in McHenry where Veurink was receiving treatment when she intentionally kicked one of her nurses in the stomach.

At the time, the nurse was six months pregnant, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

McHenry County Judge James Cowlin said earlier that day, Veurink crashed her car into her estranged husband's car while her three children were inside, according to a Shaw Media article. Her estranged husband called police to report she made statements regarding harming herself and her children.

During the bench trial, Veurink's lawyer, Thomas Carroll, claimed his client did not knowingly kick anyone. He said that instead of criminal charges, the issue should have been dealt with in specialty court where the court system tries to address underlying substance abuse or mental health problems, according to the Shaw Media article.

"Instead, they are going to punish a mother of three and issue news releases being proud of throwing the book at someone who admittedly was having a nervous breakdown. Good for them," Carroll said.

A sentencing hearing in the case is set for June 15. Each class 3 felony charge carries a possible sentence of two to five years in prison but are also probational.