Rene Boucher, a neighbor of Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.), pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of assaulting a member of Congress resulting in a personal injury, a felony under federal law.
Boucher, a retired doctor and registered Democrat, said the attack was a dispute between neighbors and not politically motivated, according to CBS's Louisville affiliate, WLKY.
The retired doctor, who has lived next to Paul in Bowling Green, Ky. for over 17 years, is accused of attacking the senator in November. Paul was on his property and not looking when Boucher violently tackled him, resulting in the lawmaker sustaining six broken ribs and bruised lungs.
In November, Boucher's attorney said the altercation between his client and Paul resulted "over a trivial matter." According to the plea deal, which was discussed in January, Boucher said he "had enough" after seeing the senator stacking more brush on a brush pile.
The sentencing date has been set for June 15. Boucher faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine upwards of $250,000. Prosecutors have recommended Boucher serve a 21-month prison sentence and face a fine, the exact amount which has yet to be determined.
Boucher has been released on a $25,000 bond has been ordered to abstain from any contact with the senator or the Paul family.