Arrest Made in Altercation Involving Larry Hug

by Erin Gallagher

Mark E. Koenig, owner of The Koenig Group, a realty firm, was arrested Friday and pending formal charges of misdemeanor battery after an incident involving Joliet Councilman Larry Hug, police said. Sources close to the investigation said the altercation occurred following an argument over the Rialto Square Theatre.

According to Joliet Police Deputy Chief Al Rochener, Koenig was arrested Friday and is charged with battery. He was released on a signature bond. The incident occurred at 11:43 p.m. at the Double J Sports Bar at 1001 Essington Road, in Joliet, Roechner said. Will County Board Member Annette Parker, who works for the theater as director of marketing and sales, was also present with her husband during the altercation, she said.

Hug is notorious for using vulgar language at board meetings, including at a December 14 meeting where he told Rialto Square Theatre General Manager Randy Green “I’ve had enough of the polished turd.”

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said that if charges were brought in the incident that a special prosecutor would be appointed due to Hug and Parker being elected officials.

Hug did not return requests for comment, but did say Monday that he was waiting for the police to complete their investigation. Earlier in the week Parker also declined to comment on the incident. She could not be immediately reached Friday.

Koenig could not be reached for comment.