Former White House lawyer charged with trying to kill wife in Connecticut posts bail

Bush lawyer posts bail on attempted murder count

STAMFORD, Conn. — A former White House attorney charged with trying to kill his wife at their Connecticut home has posted bail and is undergoing treatment at a mental hospital.

Fifty-seven-year-old John Michael Farren, who worked in both Bush administrations, posted $750,000 bail Monday and was sent to the Institute of Living in Hartford. After treatment, he will live at a relative’s home in West Hartford under house arrest.

Farren has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges. Police say he beat Mary Farren in their New Canaan home in January after she filed for divorce.

He was deputy White House counsel for President George W. Bush and undersecretary for international trade under President George H.W. Bush.