John Michael Farren, 57, the New Canaan man accused of beating his wife with a flashlight in January, will be released on reduced bond and report straight to a mental health facility. Farren, an attorney who served as White House deputy counsel under George W. Bush, appeared in Stamford Superior Court on Thursday for arraignment. The court originally set his bond at $2 million, but reduced the figure to $750,000 on the condition that Farren immediately seek psychiatric help.
According to the New Canaan Police, Farrens wife, Mary, filed for divorce in January. Two days later, he reportedly beat her repeatedly with a flashlight and began to suffocate her. She was able to sound an alarm and escape the home with her children, but spent several days in the hospital. Police charged Farren with attempted murder, first-degree strangulation and first-degree assault.
Farrens lawyer, Eugene Riccio, told the Associated Press that, after being released on bond, Farren will go directly to the Institute of Living in Hartford. After receiving treatment, he will live under house arrest with relatives in West Hartford. A GPS tracker will ensure that he does not travel more than 20 miles from the home, and each time he leaves the property he must report to the bail commissioner with specifics.
Farren also served as undersecretary of commerce for international trade under George H.W. Bush. He was also general counsel for Xerox.
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